Two sanitation inspectors of the Bacolod City Health Office are mulling the filing of charges for grave oral defamation against a Bacolod businessman.

Rutchie Gascon and Nicanora Selerio, in a complaint affidavit they executed, claimed that Jose "Boy" Montalbo shouted derogatory and defamatory words at them during an inspection they conducted at the Royal Wellness Spa, which he owns, on Jan. 30.

The complainants said that they went to the spa located at Lacson Street, Brgy. 22, Bacolod City to conduct a final inspection to check whether the glass tinted fitted door in the massage rooms have been modified in accordance with the recommendations made by the CHO.

They said that part of their duties and functions is to inspect business establishments in the city for purposes of ensuring compliance with the sanitation requirements before the issuance of the Sanitary Permit to Operate.

They said that while they were conducting inspection at the second floor of the establishment, Montalbo started to complain about their visit. And when they called his attention to the glass tinted fitted door reminding him of the recommendations of the CHO, they said he became irritated and started to complain about the process of their office. The complainants said that after they had finished their inspection and noted their findings, they went downstairs to the reception area and placed the business permit and 18 health certificates on top of the receiving table and again explained to Montalbo, in the presence of his son and some employees, the purpose of their inspection.

They said that, without any provocation on their part, Montalbo suddenly shouted defamatory and derogatory words at them, saying "You are irritants, you are idiots….get out." They reported the matter to Police Precinct 1 and to City Health Officer Dr. Edilleon Isidto. Montalbo is in Manila and could not be reached for his comment.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he has not yet read the complaint. "But we will give the report due consideration based on the recommendations of the City Legal Office, the CHO and the police," he said.*CGS

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