Employees of Toledo City Hall to protest against treasurer

CEBU, Philippines - The employees of Toledo City Hall will have a protest on Monday against former Cebu City treasurer and current officer in charge of the Treasurer’s Office Ofelia Oliva for allegedly demanding luxurious things to the city mayor.

An employee of the Toledo City Hall, who asked not to be named, told The Freeman that Oliva allegedly demanded for a car worth millions and among others.

“New pa gani siya diri sa Toledo nagpakitang gilas na siya. Wala pa gani siyay agi, demand na siya og SUV car worth million, cinema tv 46 inches, different kinds of table worth 400 thousands and others,” the employee said.

“The worst is nagdala siya mga tawo gikan sa laing lugar para mo work diri sa Toledo nga nag budget tag P400, P700 and P900 per day, and worst pa gyod iya gidaut mga tawo diri (Toledo City Hall),” the employee continued.

Oliva was appointed by the Bureau of Local Government and Finance on September 1 as Toledo’s treasurer following the request sent to BLGF by former senator and incumbent Toledo Mayor Sonny Osmeña.

But, Oliva denied all allegations and clarified the issues. 

“That’s not true nga ni demand ko. Pag-abot nako diri sa Toledo as treasurer, si senator (Sonny Osmeña) maoy ni ingon na request sa imong kinahanglanon, buy your furnitures,” Oliva told The Freeman.

Oliva explained that she requested for a TV because they need it for tax mapping operations.

She also clarified that she did not demand for an SUV car although Osmeña did suggest but it was not realized due to the lack of funds.

Oliva recalled that the mayor voluntarily handed her the key of an old car which she temporarily used to travel from Toledo to Mandaue City, where she resides.

“Dili man intawon to nindot na sakyanan, gubaon man gani nga auto,” Oliva said.

After which, Oliva said that Osmeña decided to provide her with a second hand Grandia, a government owned red plate car.

“I didn’t ask for Grandia. What’s wrong with that? and gigamit man it was used for official purposes. Nasuya lang sila kay pinangga ko ni mayor tungod sa akong performance,” Oliva said.

The Freeman tried to call Osmeña but to no avail.

Further, Oliva confirmed that she asked for 12 additional qualified employees with seven coming from Cebu City and five from Toledo City.

She said that the 12 employees receive wages ranging from P350, P400, P500 and P900, depending on their credentials.  Oliva explained she did not manipulate the salary of the 12 employees as it was the prerogative of the Human Resource Management Office.

Oliva is requesting for the employees who are planning to protest against her to talk to her personally.

“Come in the open and i-confront ko. I’m not afraid, wa ko kasala sa City of Toledo, wa ko magpakauwaw kay I always believe in transparency and good government transactions,” Oliva said. — (FREEMAN)