Toledo government refutes treasurer’s claims

CEBU, Philippines — The Toledo City government has refuted claims made by City Treasurer Leonardo A. Rivera Jr., particularly his assertion that legal remedies pursued by Mayor Marjorie Perales were denied for lack of merit.

In a letter addressed to The Freeman, Perales maintained that the city never filed “two appeals” that were dismissed. “At no point were two appeals filed and dismissed for lack of merit,” the letter stated.

The clarification came after The Freeman published a report titled “Mayor ‘ignores’ order for city treasurer’s return.”

CSC denies motion for reconsideration

Documents obtained by The Freeman showed that the city government did file motions before the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The CSC–National Capital Region (CSC-NCR) denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Toledo City, which sought to block Rivera’s reinstatement.

In its November 19, 2025 decision, the CSC-NCR upheld its earlier ruling ordering Rivera’s restoration as City Treasurer.

“WHEREFORE, the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Atty. Hazan F. Bargamento, Legal Officer, City of Toledo, is hereby DENIED for lack of merit. Accordingly, Civil Service Commission–National Capital Region Decision No. 251061 dated 08 October 2025, STANDS,” the decision read.

Rivera was temporarily detailed to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Regional Office VII in Cebu City in January 2024 under a Department of Finance (DOF) order. The assignment was supposed to last only one year, in line with CSC rules on temporary details.

However, in January 2025, the DOF extended Rivera’s detail until January 2026. On October 8, 2025, the CSC-NCR ruled that the extension was invalid, ordering Rivera’s return to Toledo City.

City Opposition and CSC Ruling

The Toledo City government opposed Rivera’s reinstatement, arguing it would disrupt operations at city hall.

Officials also cited strained relationships with Rivera and pending administrative and criminal complaints against him. The Sangguniang Panlungsod even passed a resolution expressing its opposition to his return.

Rivera countered that the city failed to present new evidence or prove any legal error in the CSC’s ruling.

The CSC-NCR agreed, saying the city’s arguments were mere reiterations of issues already resolved.

Rivera clarified in an interview that the pleadings filed were a “Motion to Intervene” and a “Manifesto,” both of which were denied by the commission.

“The two motions were a Motion to Intervene and a Manifesto that they submitted to the Civil Service, which the Civil Service denied,” Rivera said.

Blocked return

Despite the CSC decision and BLGF directives, Rivera said his attempt to reassume office was blocked after Mayor Perales appointed a caretaker for the Treasurer’s Office.

Rivera recounted that BLGF Regional Director Gerardo A. Avorque personally accompanied him to the office, but no turnover took place as the mayor allegedly objected to his return and refused to meet the BLGF official.

To avoid further tension, Rivera said he was advised to notify concerned offices of his assumption and temporarily hold office at the BLGF regional office. He warned that appointing a caretaker despite the absence of a vacancy could affect payroll processing, supplier payments, and the validity of financial transactions due to questions on signatory authority.

The FREEMAN’S position and City’s warning

Before publishing its January 17 article, The Freeman said it made several attempts to reach Mayor Perales and the city government for comment, including calls and messages to the mayor’s office, the Toledo City Public Information Office, and the City Legal Office. As of press time, no official statement had been issued by Perales responding directly to Rivera’s claims or the CSC and BLGF directives.

The Freeman maintained that its reporting was based on available documents and interviews, and that it sought comment from concerned officials prior to publication.

The Toledo City government, however, warned that the publication exposed itself to possible legal liability for libel and damages. It demanded corrective measures, including a correction or retraction, a public apology, and disclosure of those involved in writing and editing the story.

The city gave The Freeman five days to act, saying failure to comply would compel it to pursue all available legal remedies. — /LPM (FREEMAN)