The Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) said it has already initiated administrative action against meat inspectors involved in the inadvertent use of an official confiscation document bearing the name of a retired city veterinarian, following questions raised over the continued appearance of the former official’s name in enforcement records.
In a clarification statement issued Friday, June 5, the DVMF said the deputized meat inspectors concerned had been subjected to administrative proceedings through an internal memorandum and a Notice to Explain issued on Jan. 1, 2026, after they used an official document that had previously been recalled.
The issue surfaced after former City Veterinarian Dr. Alice Utlang, who retired in December 2025, publicly questioned why a confiscation certificate issued during a meat inspection operation still carried her name and signature months after her retirement.
Utlang raised the concern on social media on June 3, saying her name should no longer appear on official DVMF documents and questioning details indicated in the confiscation certificate.
The DVMF said it recognizes the public’s interest in government accountability but urged the public to refrain from publicly shaming employees and instead allow concerns involving personnel to be addressed through established procedures.
“We likewise discourage public name-shaming of our personnel. While we recognize the public’s interest in government accountability, concerns involving employees should be addressed through appropriate channels and in accordance with due process, fairness, ethics and professional standards,” the agency said.
The department also clarified confusion surrounding the term “Valentino,” which appeared in the confiscation certificate as a reason for the seizure of poultry products.
According to the DVMF, “Valentino” does not refer to an alcoholic drink, contrary to suggestions made in social media discussions.
The agency explained that in poultry and meat inspection terminology, a Valentino chicken is a dressed chicken that has not been completely eviscerated and still has parts such as the head, esophagus, trachea, crop and feet attached.
“This type of poultry product is not legally allowed for sale because it has not undergone proper postmortem inspection and may pose a public health concern,” the DVMF said.
The department added that when “Valentino” is cited as the cause of confiscation, it means inspectors found the poultry product non-compliant with meat inspection and food safety standards, making it subject to seizure under existing regulations.
The DVMF said it continues to post reports on confiscations and condemnations to raise awareness among meat vendors and consumers and to help protect public health.
The controversy emerged amid the department’s continuing enforcement campaign against the sale of uninspected meat products in Cebu City through its “Operation Hot Meat” program.
Photo courtesy of CCG-DVMF / Facebook
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