BLGF rejects JVR’s request

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF)-Region VII has denied the request of Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to replace city treasurer Emma Macuto.

“This Office respectfully urges the honorable mayor to give treasurer Macuto a chance to work with you and the rest of the Local Finance Committee in the fiscal managament,” regional director Carmelane Tugas said.

Last June 4, De los Reyes wrote Tugas to ask for the immediate transfer of Macuto claiming that the treasurer played politics in the last election.

But Tugas, in her letter addressed to the mayor dated June 14, said her office cannot act on his request because of the existence Department Personnel Order No. 335-003 of the Department of Finance.

Under the order, the request for relief, transfer, or detail of Treasurers and Assistant Treasurers shall be acted upon only for justifiable reasons and after compliance with the requisites of due process.

Furthermore, Tugas said that transfer will only be made if there exists a final audit finding of cash shortage properly validated by the regional office.

Also, the treasurer is ordered suspended and formally charged of a grave offense and the 90-day preventive suspension has expired but formal investigation has not yet been terminated.

Tugas also asked the mayor to give Macuto a chance to prove her capability.

Macuto, however, refused to comment on the BLGF statement.

The Local Government Code mandates the Finance secretary or the BLGF executive director to appoint treasurers in towns, cities, and municipalities from a list of three candidates submitted by local chief executives. (FREEMAN)