• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has issued a memorandum directing the Sangguniang Panlungsod to hold in abeyance the investigation into alleged irregularities in the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
“We will be conducting the investigation and will be giving a report after 10 days,” Benitez said.
A resolution was earlier passed organizing the SP into a committee as a whole to inquire and investigate the alleged illegal and corrupt activities in the BTAO.
Benitez issued Memorandum No. 0168, dated November 1, designating executive assistant Patrick Lacson as officer-in-charge of BTAO, in place of Police Major Junjie Liba.
Liba, on the other hand, remains as deputy of the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
Lacson is requesting to be given a week or two to come up with his traffic plan which he will be presenting to the mayor and the Bacolodnons. Their priority at the moment is the transition and reorganization of the BTAO.
The BTAO vacated its office at the BCPO compound and transferred to the Bazket BCD, along Lacson Street.
Meanwhile, the supporters of Liba issued a press statement demanding justice.
“Today, we heard and witness (sic) a conspiracy. Together we stand to demand a fair and just process when it comes to the investigation of alleged corruption at BTAO and judgment that resulted in the removal of an officer and gentleman from his position as head of BTAO. We believe in the principle of due process and fairness,” the press release said.
“The role of Maj.Liba as head of BTAO is vital to our community. He is entrusted with maintaining order on our roads, ensuring the safety of our citizens, and upholding the law, especially our traffic laws and traffic ordinances,” it said.
“We must remember that every individual regardless of their profession, is entitled to due process. It is a fundamental principle of due process and rule of law and legal system, that an individual is considered innocent until proven guilty. That is also in the bill of rights under the 1987 Constitution. Therefore, any investigation into alleged misconduct or negligence or corruption in BTAO must be carried out impartially, with a commitment to uncover the truth, and with an opportunity for the accused to present their case and defend themselves,” the press release said.
Moreover, the judgment and decision to remove Maj. Liba from BTAO should be based on evidence and facts presented during the investigation. It should not be influenced by powerful political allies and corrupt politicians. It is not biased or an unfair procedure. The process must be transparent, allowing for accountability, and ensuring that the decision is just and in line with facts, evidence and laws, it said.
“Let us remember that the quality of justice in Bacolod City is a reflection of our commitment to fairness and due process and rule of law,” the press release said.
In conclusion, we demand justice for Maj. Liba. His removal from BTAO is unfair, has no basis in facts, evidence and law. It’s all political, it ended.*
