Over 5,000 employees of the Local Government Unit of Bacolod City were not able to eat immediately during their Christmas party due to alleged spoiled food.

The Christmas party took place on December 19, 2025.

Rollynda Cordova, one of the LGU workers who was not able to eat, said they bought their own food after finding out that the food served smelled bad.

“Nang binuksan namin [food pack] at inamoy, ibinalik na lang. Bumili na lang. Pagbukas mo nangangamoy na talaga,” Cordova said.

Another employee, Christopher Surell, returned the food pack because of the alleged stale smell.

“Marami akong nakita sa tabi, panis lahat. Ibinalik ko na lang. Umuwi na lang, doon na sa bahay naghapunan,” Surell said.

According to the LGU, at least P1.3 million was allocated for the food. Two caterers were hired to prepare the food.

“Marami tayong reklamong natanggap tungkol sa panis na pagkain. Wala tayong report about medical concerns. Walang sumakit ang tiyan, dinala sa ospital. More on pagbukas ng box, may amoy. Foul smell, may ibang hindi na talaga kumain,” Atty. Mark Mayo, Bacolod City administrator, said.

The caterers have been summoned for their respective explanation. The identities of the caterers have been withheld yet.

The incident is being investigated, according to the Bacolod City Government Employees Union (BCGEU).

“Sa spoilage…to be fair and give due process also to the parties involved, I cannot say in behalf kung ano. Ongoing ang investigation ng union,” said Erry Lagtapon, BCGEU president.

Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered all department heads to submit a report on the complaints of the employees, and assured a probe into the incident.

“We have already directed all department and office heads to submit detailed written reports based on feedback from their respective personnel and staff. Additionally, a meeting with BCGEU officers has been scheduled to address this matter urgently,” Gasataya said in a press statement.

“This incident is both disappointing and unacceptable. It is common sense that due diligence and the highest standards of care are observed in the preparation and handling of food provided to our employees as they deserve nothing less," he emphasized.

"The health and safety of our workforce must never be compromised due to negligence or mismanagement of the organizers. We will get to the bottom of this. This shall never happen again. Our workers deserve better,” he added.