PPA fires 8 port officials in Bohol seen drinking in office

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 18) — Eight port officials in Bohol were dismissed after being caught on CCTV drinking alcohol inside the office during a birthday celebration of their acting manager, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said on Friday.

The PPA said General Manager Jay Santiago fired the officials from the Bohol Port Management Office (PMO) in Tagbilaran City following the Aug. 16 celebration at the PMO's multipurpose hall.

Among those relieved from their posts were the acting port manager, the port services division manager, a lawyer from the legal department, a safety officer, and port police officers who attended the event.

A video of the celebration shared by the PPA showed a number of employees dancing to music played by a live band, with bottles of alcohol seen on the office tables.

"Walang puwang sa pamahalaan ang mga opisyal na ginagawang inuman ang opisina, kahit birthday o anumang okasyon,” said Santiago.

“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," he added.

[Translation: There’s no place in the government for officials who make the office a place for drinking, even if there are birthdays or any occasion. They should be the first ones to ensure order in the piers, not the first to become bad examples for their constituents in Bohol.]

The PPA said the acting port manager has apologized for their behavior.

It added that Santiago has already issued a memorandum designating the replacement for the dismissed acting head.