Macuto to quit on receipt of relief order

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City treasurer Emma Macuto, in reaction to a report that Mayor Johnny De los Reyes has asked the Department of Finance to replace her, said she will submit to the dictates of her superiors. 

“I am willing to step down immediately when I receive my relief order.” 

In an interview with The Freeman, Macuto said she has not received any communication or an order from the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) or from the finance department. 

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has already received an authority from the city council authorizing De los Reyes and the city treasurer in charge as duly designated by the city mayor, to sign all checks issued by the city government of Talisay. 

But the LBP representative is hesitant to accept the resolution citing that there was no mention of the name of the treasurer of Talisay. 

“Nanawag ang taga-LBP nako kay nangutana ako pa ba ang city treasurer,  I told them yes kay wala pa man ko’y order from the BLGF nga ilisan,” Macuto said. 

The mayor and the city treasurer need an approval from the council that they can act as official signatories in all transactions involving banking institutions, pursuant to all pertinent rules and regulations.  

Macuto already explained to the LBP to accept the resolution.

“Sa pagkakaron, padayon ang akong pagpirma og mga check ug transaction sa city hall,” she said. 

Last June 4, De los Reyes wrote BLGF seeking the immediate transfer of Macuto claiming that the treasurer played politics in the last election.

But the BLGF said it 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, the 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 with a grave offense and the 90-day preventive suspension has expired but formal investigation has not yet been terminated.  (FREEMAN)