By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is considering filing criminal charges against a former government employee for allegedly tampering with the receipt of a traffic violator, issued by the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
Despite the female cashier’s immediate resignation last Friday, the incident has prompted an administrative probe.
City Legal Officer Atty. Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. stated in a press briefing that, due to her resignation, the worker is no longer administratively liable.
The incident, which was highlighted on the radio program “Isugid Kay Mayor,” caught the mayor’s attention.
The violator was fined P2,300 for not wearing a helmet and lacking a driver’s license, along with towing fees on April 18. They paid P1,300 at the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), assigned to BTAO transactions.
However, the receipt only showed P300, with an additional P1,000 handwritten.
Investigations revealed that the system recorded only P300, despite the violator paying P1,300. BTAO had previously emphasized that they only issue citation tickets and do not accept payments, which are processed by the CTO.
Mayor Benitez expressed his disappointment and ordered the cashier’s reassignment. Ting relayed that the cashier attributed the discrepancy to a technical error due to a power interruption that affected internet connectivity.
Following her resignation, two more alleged tampered receipts by the same cashier surfaced, Ting disclosed.
The mayor is in talks with Ting regarding the case.
“Ngaa wala kulbaan ang mga empleyado sa city? Ngaa sige-sige pa nga gina himo ang mga bagay na indi dapat nila himu-on?” Benitez questioned, expressing concern over the complacency of city employees and their improper actions.
The mayor noted they are considering pursuing a criminal case and hinted that cooperation from the cashier could influence their decision. “She might want to spill the beans,” Benitez suggested, indicating the potential for leniency.
Benitez has repeatedly cautioned government workers against such infractions. “We mean business. And we want to ensure that all government transactions are transparent, with no anomalies and violations,” he affirmed.
The mayor is adamant about restoring public trust in the government and ensuring that offenders face consequences. “We will be serious about this, as we do not tolerate this,” he stated, acknowledging public assistance in holding violators accountable.
