Toledo treasurer row may disrupt salaries

CEBU, Philippines — A dispute over who is authorized to occupy and manage the Toledo City Treasurer’s Office has raised concerns about possible delays in the release of salaries of city government employees and disruptions to other essential financial transactions.

City Treasurer Leonardo Rivera Jr. said he is the rightful holder of the position and has been attempting to report for duty since January 13, but claimed he has been repeatedly barred from entering his office.

Rivera warned that the ongoing standoff could halt the processing of payroll, payments to suppliers, and other city expenditures.

“Right now, as I am the City Treasurer, no financial transactions can be made without my signature… even I am not receiving my salary,” Rivera said in a phone interview.

He added that delays in mandatory remittances to agencies such as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) could expose the city to penalties.

Barred from entering office

Rivera said that on January 27, he received a letter endorsed by Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Executive Director Consolacion Agcaoili and transmitted by regional director Gerardo Avorque, directing him to report to his assigned post in Toledo City.

After receiving the letter, Rivera said he formally notified the City Human Resource Office and the Office of the Mayor of his intention to resume work.

He said he initially went to the City Treasurer’s Office and briefly sat at his desk before being approached by three city lawyers who informed him that his order to assume office was “invalid.”

“They told me I did not have a valid order. I told them that if that is their interpretation, it is different from mine. I have to comply because this is the latest directive I received,” Rivera said.

On January 29, Rivera said he again attempted to enter the office but was stopped by security guards and denied access, claiming the office had been padlocked.

Toledo City denies blocking access

The Toledo City Government denied allegations that the Treasurer’s Office was padlocked to prevent Rivera from entering.

In a statement, City Legal Officer Atty. Hazan Bargamento said the office remains open to the public for legitimate transactions.

Bargamento explained that access controls were imposed after Rivera allegedly arrived with individuals described as “bodyguards” and “supporters” who had no official business inside the office.

He said Rivera and his companions were seen taking photos and videos inside the office despite not conducting any transaction.

“Even if it is a public government space, the City has the duty to regulate access to ensure orderly operations and avoid disruption,” Bargamento said. The city added that Rivera and his group were again prevented from entering because they could not present any valid transaction with the Treasurer’s Office.

Rivera maintains that his actions are based on the latest directive from national authorities, stressing that he already assumed office on January 13 but has not been allowed to perform his duties.

The Toledo City Government, however, said it does not recognize Rivera as the City Treasurer.

Bargamento said Rivera is facing administrative and criminal complaints, including malversation and serious dishonesty, before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The city also said it has filed an appeal with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and believes that the CSC ruling cited by Rivera is not yet final.

Rivera earlier said his return was backed by the BLGF and the Department of Finance (DOF) following the expiration of his detail assignment. He stressed that under the Local Government Code, city treasurers are appointed and supervised by national authorities to safeguard public funds.

The city, meanwhile, said it has written to the DOF and BLGF requesting the designation of a new city treasurer to ensure that financial operations are not disrupted.

Rivera said he has already informed the CSC regional office of the situation and is awaiting guidance on the next steps. He added that he is consulting legal counsel while continuing to report for work daily.   FPL (CEBU NEWS)