MANILA, Philippines — Twelve staff members of Barangay Batasan Hills in Quezon City were sacked after organizing a Christmas party that violated mandatory COVID-19 protocols, the city government said Thursday.
In a statement, Barangay Chairman Jojo Abad identified the relieved personnel as Leticia Samar, Michelle Saragcon, Ma. Elena Olesco, Nora Elizaga, Meann Ubang, Rowena Almonicar, Jocelyn Leonero, Ritchie Ancero, Manilyn Mejia, Gemma Relata, Marizen Misolas, and Alejandro Cabello.
“This termination of appointment is issued against the above-mentioned names from the Office of the Chairman due to disrespect of office protocols and insubordination,” Abad said in a letter to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
The chairman also ordered the relieved staff to turn over all its barangay properties for proper inventory, including uniform, frontliner ID, and barangay radio.
The relief came after Abad was tipped off by netizens who saw the photos of the party on social media. Misolas, one of those relieved, was the uploader.
In another social media post, Misolas said she invited her team of barangay workers for dinner and drinks. She also admitted that social distancing was not followed during their picture-taking. But she insisted that they followed health protocols, particularly the 30 percent venue capacity.
However, the city government said 30 percent capacity is only applicable for “essential work-related gatherings such as conferences, training and workshops.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded Abad for his swift action.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo kay kapitan Abad sa mabilis niyang pagkilos sa isyung ito na napakaseryosong bagay, lalo pa’t may kinalaman ito sa ating kalusugan,” said Belmonte.
(We thank Captain Abad for his quick action on the matter, which is a very serious case, especially since it has something to do with our health.)
“Magsilbi sana itong aral sa iba pang lingkod-bayan sa ating siyudad na palagi tayong sumunod sa mga patakaran. Magsilbi tayong magandang halimbawa sa publiko na ating pinaglilingkuran,” she added.
(May this serve as a lesson to other public servants in our city that we always follow the rules. Let us serve as good examples to the public.)
Last Sept. 9, Belmonte ordered city officials to cancel parties and donate the budget for these to indigents. [ac]
RELATED STORIES
COVID-19 reproductive rate up in QC amid holidays
PH registers 465,724 COVID cases; deaths surpass 9K