18 Negros state workers told to explain disregard for procedures

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines, Philippines — Eighteen employees of the provincial government of Negros Occidental have been ordered to explain their failure to submit trip tickets.

The order was issued by the capitol legal office against the employees of the provincial disaster management program division (PDMPD).

Of the 18 workers, 13 were drivers, three administrative aides, a special operations officer and a utility worker.

Provincial legal officer Alberto Nellas Jr. said the order was part of a program of the local government to improve the delivery of services and hold state workers and officials accountable for their actions.

A majority of the respondents have submitted their explanations, which are being processed to determine whether the filing of administrative charges against them is necessary, Nellas said.

Investigation showed the drivers did not follow the normal procedure of submitting trip tickets before going on an official travel.

“There is a huge irregularity with regard to their travel, since we are not aware if it really happened,” Nellas said.

Trip tickets are required for submission more than a month after an official travel has taken place, he added.