Ofelia Oliva stays as Cebu City treasurer

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) in Central Visayas gave in to the request of Mayor Michael Rama to extend the services of Cebu City Acting City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva until he can find another qualified person to replace her.

Rama happily announced that he received a letter from BLGF-7 Acting Regional Director Carmelane G. Tugas extending the tenure of Oliva as treasurer of Cebu City until January 15 next year.

Cebu City’s treasurer is Eustaquio B. Cesa but he is currently head of the Cebu City Assessor’s Office that is why the BLGF had appointed an officer-in-charge.

Oliva was the city treasurer of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, but then mayor and now Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña requested the BLGF to assign Oliva to Cebu City.

In her letter to Rama, Tugas said that while she agreed to the request of Rama to extend the services of Oliva for six months, she clarified that it is only until January 15 or “unless sooner revoked.” 

Tugas, however, said her order is still subject to the confirmation of the BLGF executive director.

Osmeña refused to make any comment about the rumors that it was he who asked the BLGF officials to transfer Oliva out of Cebu City.

Oliva had pledged to support the mayor’s vision of a P10-billion budget for Cebu City next year by trying her best to improve the tax collection efficiency of the city treasurer’s office.

Earlier reports said that once Oliva is pulled out from Cebu City, she will be designated as acting treasurer of Mandaue City, which is currently headed by her son, Regal Oliva.

Oliva said she is willing to work-hand-in-hand with Rama and she is hopeful that the mayor’s dream of a huge annual budget could still be attained. (FREEMAN)