Eight Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officials and personnel in Bohol were sacked after they were caught partying inside the port building's multipurpose hall.
In a statement issued on August 18, the agency said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago ordered the removal of the 8 PPA officials and personnel after the closed-circuit television (CCTV) showed that the 8 PPA officials and employees held a karaoke and drank alcohol last August 16.
According to PPA, the party was thrown in celebration of the birthday of PPA Acting Port Manager ng Bohol Lord Tyrone Agaton.
The agency said Agaton was relieved along with PMO Bohol Port Services Division Manager Julius Jumangit, Legal department official Sherlito Columnas Jr., and Safety Officer Atty. Romeo Cabading.
Also removed from their posts are five port police officers namely, Edcel Epan, Victor Cagulada, Mary Maricka Aguirre, Meljann Oronan, and Emily Ross Tubio.
"Wala puwang sa pamahalaan ang mga opisyal na ginagawang inuman ang opisina, kahit birthday o anumang okasyon hindi dapat umiinom ng alak sa opisina. Dapat nga sila pa mismo ang nangunguna sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa pantalan at hindi nangunguna sa pagiging hindi magandang ehemplo sa kanilang mga nasasakupan sa Bohol", Santiago said.
The PPA General Manager underscored that it is not rightous for any public official to drink inside the port's building.
"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. 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 agency said Santiago has released a memorandum appointing a new manager of PPA Bohol.
