JVR: No duplication in Talisay

MANILA, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes yesterday denied allegations there were duplication and overlapping of functions on the same transactions performed by regular and job order employees at his administration's helm.

In a three-page audit observation memorandum dated April 7, 2014, the agency said De los Reyes duplicated works and functions when he created the offices of the Project Monitoring Team, Job Order Monitoring Team, the Flying Squad Task Force Patrol, the Indigent Pharmacy, the Text to the Mayor and the Mayor's Task Force.

According to COA, the offices that the mayor created duplicated works assigned to the City Engineer's Office, Civil Security Unit, the City of Talisay Traffic Operations and Development Authority, City Health Office and the Talisay Rescue and Emergency Assistance Team.

But De los Reyes, in his letter addressed to State Auditor Daisy Bercede, said "they may have similar functions or services as that of the regular offices, but they still play a major difference and an important role in the improvement of the city services."

For instance, De los Reyes cited the Flying Squad Task Force does not function in similar terms as the CT-TODA. The mayor said the squad helps regulate traffic by managing ambulant vendors along the road in some areas on peak hours when there's no CT-TODA.

The mayor insisted the flying squad reports illegal structures and helps implement regulation regarding the throwing of garbage.

De los Reyes also said the indigent pharmacy, which he created is not a duplication of the city health. He said the pharmacy supplies medicines to the indigents for free.

The mayor, however, did not expound on the observation of the COA regarding the regular functions of the city engineering office being also done by the monitoring team under his office.

He, however, assured the agency he would not have second thoughts on revoking offices and downsizing staffs that may serve no purpose in the city, if deemed necessary.

"These (offices) help the city in serving the Talisaynons more responsively, effectively and efficiently. Please take these justifications into consideration," De los Reyes said in his letter sent to the COA yesterday morning. (FREEMAN)