Bacolod city: The city government has initiated administrative complaints against 33 employees, including an assistant department head, following allegations of widespread document falsification related to Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) loan applications within the General Services Office (GSO).

According to Philippines News Agency, City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu stated that Mayor Greg Gasataya has approved an investigation report recommending formal charges against those implicated. The City Legal Office has been designated as the hearing officer for the administrative cases.

The investigation commenced last month after GSO department head Gilda Luisma reported that 32 employees had falsified pay slips and net pay certifications to qualify for GSIS loans. These employees are now facing charges of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

GSO assistant department head Franklin Andre Familiaran, accused of signing the falsified documents, faces 32 counts of each administrative charge. Additionally, Mayor Gasataya has imposed a 60-day preventive suspension without pay on Familiaran.

"This is pursuant to the constant follow-up of GSIS regarding the reported mass falsification in the GSO department. The incident has reached them, and they are following up and making the city explain about it," Chiu added.