CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Hall’s building administrator admits it is he in the photograph recently released to the media which had two other people and 10 bottles of beer inside his office in the legislative building.
But Engr. Emilio Cruz said the photo may have been taken during a special occasion, specifically the partying after the state-of-the-city address was delivered in July last year.
Cruz also said the other man in the photograph, who had his back to the camera, looks like Andres Borres, head of the City Hall barangay affairs unit.
Borres, in an interview yesterday, said he has yet to see the picture being passed around the City Hall and the media. But he admits he and Cruz were drinking one time in Cruz’s office, which was after the state of the city address where a band was playing at the City Hall grounds and many were also drinking as part of the celebration.
They decided to go inside to avoid displaying themselves in public, Borres said.
The photo does not indicate the time and date it was taken.
Cruz asked why it took too long for the complainants to show the picture around. He thinks this could be from someone who holds a personal grudge against him and wants to retaliate.
For one, he said, he recently submitted a report to the Building Management Service after he red-handedly caught four employees under him drinking in their warehouse.
He stressed on the policy against drinking of alcoholic drinks within office hours.
But he cited that there are times when councilors bring in alcohol in their offices for some occasions.
Cebu City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete, upon seeing the picture, said a probe is needed but there has to be a formal complaint. Due process would then be followed, which would mean an endorsement to the proper offices - the Human Resource Department Office and the City Attoryney’s Office.
Without a formal complaint against Cruz, they can proceed with the investigation if Mayor Michael Rama would say so.
Rama, for his part, said this was already endorsed to the correct department.
According to the mayor, no drinking is allowed inside the office but there are exceptions like Christmas and other special occasions. – (FREEMAN)