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Bacolod probes P2.4-M expired ASF test kits

Philippines | Visayas

Bacolod probes P2.4-M expired ASF test kits

By Glazyl Masculino

GASATAYA (Glazyl Masculino)

GASATAYA (Glazyl Masculino)

BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city is investigating the purchase of 39 African Swine Fever (ASF) test kits worth P2.457 million that allegedly expired on Nov. 30, two years after it was bought by the city government on Nov. 8, 2023.

Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a letter dated Dec. 2, ordered Dr. Maria Agueda Trinidad dela Torre, head of the City Veterinary Office (CVO) and former vice chairperson of the ASF Task Force, to explain the issue.

The task force was responsible for the custody and use of the test kits for ASF surveillance and control, while the CVO was the implementing office for the purchase of the kits.

Gasataya noted that the substantial number of expired kits suggests possible lapses in planning, monitoring, and implementation, which could amount to gross neglect, inefficiency, or conduct prejudicial to the service, as well as violations of rules on the management of government property.

Dela Torre was required to submit a sworn written explanation within five days upon receiving the show cause order.

“Explain why no administrative disciplinary action should be taken against you in connection to this allegation,” Gasataya stated.

Failure to comply will be taken as a waiver of her right to respond, and the case may proceed to formal charges under the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS).

Dela Torre has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

Related Tags

Bacolod City ASF Mayor Greg Gasataya

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