The Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO) has initiated a formal investigation into a concerning situation at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), where a private individual was found to be handling payroll operations instead of authorized government personnel.
City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting, Jr. confirmed that his office received an official request from Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to look into the matter. The investigation aims to determine how and why a private citizen became involved in the payroll process of a government facility.
Questionable Payroll Practices Uncovered
According to documents obtained by the CLO, the private individual was actively participating in payroll distribution and related financial activities at the BCGC. This arrangement raises serious questions about compliance with government procurement and financial management protocols.
"We need to establish why a private person was handling payroll instead of designated government employees or through proper channels," Ting stated during a press briefing. "This is a significant departure from standard operating procedures that requires thorough investigation."
Scope of the Investigation
The probe will examine several critical aspects of the situation:
- The duration and extent of the private individual's involvement in BCGC payroll operations
- Authorization processes that allowed this arrangement to occur
- Potential violations of government financial regulations
- Accountability of officials who permitted the practice
- Impact on employees and government funds
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The City Legal Office has begun gathering evidence, including documents and witness statements, to build a comprehensive understanding of the case. Legal experts suggest that depending on the findings, the matter could involve administrative charges against responsible officials.
"Any private handling of government payroll raises red flags about transparency and accountability," Ting emphasized. "We are committed to ensuring that all government transactions, especially those involving public funds, follow established rules and procedures."
The investigation comes as part of Mayor Benitez's administration's commitment to transparency and good governance. The public awaits the findings, which could lead to significant changes in how financial operations are managed at BCGC and other government facilities in Bacolod City.
