By Gabriela Baron
Eight port officials in Bohol were sacked after being caught on CCTV drinking alcohol inside the office.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago said the eight officials were drinking alcohol inside the multipurpose hall of the port office last Aug. 16 to celebrate the birthday of Acting Port Manager of Bohol Lord Tyrone Agaton.
Among those dismissed from their posts were Agaton, port services division manager, a lawyer from the legal department, a safety officer, and five port police officers.
“Walang puwang sa pamahalaan ang mga opisyal na ginagawang inuman ang opisina, kahit birthday o anumang okasyon hindi dapat umiinom ng alak sa opisina,” Santiago said.
“Dapat nga sila pa mismo ang nangunguna sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa pantalan at hindi nangunguna sa pagiging hindi magandang ehemplo sa kanilang nasasakupan sa Bohol,” he added.
Santiago said the acting port manager has already apologized for their behavior.
“Kahit saang anggulo mo tingnan, mali talaga eh, buti na lang mayroon tayong mga gumaganang CCTV o yung surveillance system natin sa buong pantalan na sakop ng PPA na na-momonitor natin sa head office,” Santiago continued.
“Patunay lamang ito na hindi tayo nagpapabaya sa ating tungkulin na ayusin ang pantalan at mga kawani nito at patunay rin ito na seryoso tayo sa pagsasaayos ng 130 na pantalan nationwide,” he added.
The PPA official said he already issued a memorandum designating the replacement for the sacked acting head.
