Six months more: DOF extends Cuevas’ stay as treasurer of Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines - For the third time, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was successful in seeking approval of the extension of Diwa Cuevas as officer-in-charge of the City Treasurer’s Office.

During a tele-conference yesterday, Rama read Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima’s communication allowing the extension.

“The designation of Cuevas is hereby extended for a period of six months,” Rama quoted the DOF order.

Cuevas’s second six-month extension supposedly lapsed yesterday.

Rama appointed Cuevas as city treasurer on September 2, 2013. The first extension of her appointment came in March 2014, and the second extension was applied for in September 2014.

With the development, Cuevas will sit as OIC City Treasurer until March 2016, as stated in Purisima’s August 28 order.

Section 470, Article II of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of the Philippines) states that “the treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking, eligible recommendees of the governor or mayor, as the case may be, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.”

Prior to Purisima’s approval, Rama requested DOF to extend Cuevas’ stint as acting city treasurer “to avoid a possible vacuum in the operation” of the City Treasurer’s Office.

The mayor also sent a copy of the letter to the Bureau of Local Government Finance-7 Director Herminigilda Garsula.

In the same August 7 letter, Rama also asked DOF to consider the permanent appointment of Cuevas as city treasurer of the City of Cebu.

Last January 12, Rama recommended to DOF the names of Cuevas, City Accountant Mark Rosel Salomon, and former city councilor Jose Daluz III for the permanent position of city treasurer.

The DOF, however, earlier said that Daluz cannot be considered for the position as permanent treasurer since he lacks five years of experience on treasury matters.

As of press time, Cuevas sits in her current plantilla position as Accountant IV.

Sought for her comment, Cuevas expressed gratitude to the mayor for his persistence in seeking the extension of her stay as city treasurer.

She said she will continue to work knowing she has the trust and confidence of the mayor. — (FREEMAN)