Bacolod lawmaker warns public against smear campaign

Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya (Photo from his office)

BACOLOD CITY –– Rep. Greg Gasataya of the lone district of this city on Tuesday warned the public against a person pretending to be him and calling establishments to make bogus reservations in an apparent attempt to besmirch his reputation.

A male caller claiming to be Gasataya, and using mobile number 0926 882 8981, called Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Tuesday to make a reservation for 30 to 35 people for a supposed meeting with the Department of Health and Philippine National Police.

“Thankfully, the establishment was diligent enough to confirm with Councilor Israel Salanga the authenticity of the mobile number since there had been similar incidents in the past,” Gasataya said.

Gasataya said he was also informed that Winterfell Café in Bacolod received Tuesday a similar call from the same number to book reservations for 30 persons.

The establishment verified the reservation with Gasataya’s office.

“Should you receive a similar call, please confirm with our office first through me or any of our staff before booking any reservations,” Gasataya said.

“This sort of smear campaign is unacceptable as business establishments have struggled enough with the pandemic just to be scammed into wasting their precious resources,” he added.

LZB