Mandaue tightens internal control at treasurer’s office

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Treasurer’s Office has tightened its internal control and accountability measures following the discovery that some of its employees allegedly pocketed government funds.

Acting City Treasurer Claire Cabalda said in an interview that the office has begun implementing internal reforms, including the reorientation of all cashiers and sub-collectors on proper cash handling procedures and financial protocols to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

Cabalda said that while an external audit is underway—covering cash, systems, and process audits—her office has taken proactive steps to reorient personnel on financial accountability and proper handling of government funds.

She emphasized that only bonded cashiers are authorized to collect payments since they are covered by a fidelity bond, unlike Job Order (JO) employees who have no formal employer-employee relationship with the city government.

“For now, after what happened, the office has initiated a movement to reorient our cashiers and even their sub-collectors,” Cabalda said.

She added that several audits are now being conducted, including liaison, systems, cash, and process audits, to determine lapses and strengthen existing safeguards. “We will wait for the audit results to see their recommendations,” she said.

Cabalda admitted that the lapses may have been caused by leniency and lack of awareness among some staff.

“Na take for granted man gud, na lenient, or perhaps wala pa gyud na inform kung unsa. Unya ang katong bonded nga cashiers, mao gyud to atoang gipasabot nga whatever happens sa ubos sa ilang sub-collectors, sila gyud ang accountable being the bonded person,” she said.

She reiterated that bonded cashiers are financially accountable for all collections and must ensure proper documentation and remittance.

“Gi-orient pod sila in a way nga make sure nga intact ang collection as to receipts and equivalent nga cash,” Cabalda added.

The acting treasurer also clarified that JO personnel are not allowed to collect payments, given their lack of an employer-employee relationship with the city government.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Government will file criminal charges against two Job Order employees from the City Treasurer’s Office who were dismissed for allegedly mishandling public funds.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on confirmed that the two female JO workers admitted to taking public money—one caught on CCTV pocketing ?10,000, and another found to have tampered with official receipts, resulting in unremitted collections of around ?280,000.

Malig-on said both have signed undertakings to repay the amounts but clarified that criminal charges will still be filed. The two were terminated on October 17 following an internal investigation.

He added that the city’s CCTV system proved crucial in uncovering the irregularities, serving as a reminder that monitoring systems across city offices are now fully operational.

A memorandum was also issued to their immediate supervisor, requiring an explanation for failing to detect the discrepancies.

Malig-on said the city may also tap other investigative agencies to ensure a more comprehensive probe.