THE Cebu City Hall building administrator was believed to have drunk beer while in his office, but nobody seems to want to investigate.
A candid photograph shows Engr. Emiliano Cruz deep in discussion with two people, with 10 bottles of beer and a glass atop a center table in front of them.
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The source of the photograph was Care Best International Security Services Inc. but no one would say who took the shot. It appeared to have been taken from a high angle, possibly from a top window in the lounge of Cruz’s office.
Cruz did not deny it was him, but said the picture must have been taken after office hours. He said he wouldn’t have had beer in his office, unless there was a special occasion.
The source of the photograph said it was taken around July.
“Then it was most likely during the inaugural address,” said Cruz, referring to the July 1 State of the City Address of the mayor.
Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young are not keen on starting an investigation.
Rama, though, said he received a letter regarding the incident and endorsed it to his chief of staff Philip Zafra, who is also the head of the City’s civil security unit.
When confronted with the picture of Cruz, Rama reacted, “Where is this?”
“Inside his office,” the reporters answered.
“When was this taken? They should come out with a date because there could have been a fiesta or a birthday. Let us not make a quick judgment,” said Rama.
While the officials agree that in no way is alcohol allowed inside the offices, the rules are relaxed when there are special occasions.
Rama expects there will also be alcohol during the Christmas parties.
Young, for his part, said investigating such an incident should come from the executive department. He also pointed out the photo was not stamped with the date and time it was taken.
He said the matter should be referred to the Human Resource and Development Office or the General Services Office (GSO), which is Cruz’s department.
Cruz, in an interview with reporters, said he believes that the people behind the picture are four employees from the Building Maintenance and Services, whom he reported to have been drinking during office hours, before the GSO grievance committee. An investigation is ongoing.
This was around October.
“Maybe they are trying to retaliate,” said Cruz. “If it happened in July, why release it now?”
Cruz said he already spoke with Zafra about the matter.
Poblete, for his part, said that a sworn statement is needed for an investigation to prosper.
However, if the mayor or other high-ranking officials make a directive to conduct an investigation, then there will be one.
Rama said the HRDO should handle the investigation but he did not give a direct order for one
I want to know what are your thoughts about this?
Photo of City official with beer in office causes a stir
Originally Posted by eezychair
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