Wagas clarifies "Compostela dads ask Ombuds: Do probe on P7M funds"

We were surprised to learn upon reading The Freeman issue banner story dated July 04,2009 that you have reported about the action of the members of the Municipal council, specifically, the members of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation before the Visayas Ombudsman without getting our side. Simply because, for several occasions you had been calling us in any controversy that involves me or our administration. Nevertheless, allow me to state vital information which is very essential in understanding the alleged controversy which is the subject of the complaint, to wit:

1)The cluster auditor of COA-Region VII during the cash audit last year found out that Lorenzo Almodiel, Municipal Treasurer of Compostela, Cebu, incurred cash shortage. Such baseless accusation was rebuked by no less than the Municipal Treasurer during the exit conference. As far as Almodiel is concerned, the alleged cash shortage is covered by a disbursement voucher by the way of cash advance which has been fully settled before the Municipal Accounting Office. However, state auditor Aloba insisted that settled cash advances have to be entered in the ledger. What the state auditor is telling us, is unliquidated cash advances are considered cash shortage. How much of the total amount as alleged in the complaint has been fully liquidated? The records of the Municipal Accounting Office will give you the exact figure. Could this be the reason, why cluster auditor is not filing appropriate charges before the Ombudsman against the Municipal Treasurer, in view of the fact that he has fully settled and liquidated his cash advances?

2)The primary duty of the Sanguniang Bayan is to enact local ordinances especially on matters affecting the financial situation of the town. Among all other priorities affecting the people, Annual Budget is the most vital considering it is the lifeblood of the municipal government whose primary function is to deliver the basic services. While the Commission on Audit, is basically tasked to oversee how funds are being disbursed by all public servants, elected or appointed, otherwise. For cluster auditor Aloba, Municipal Treasurer Almodiel has incurred  cash shortage, hence, he is obligated to restore the said shortage through liquidation of all cash advances. Precisely, Aloba did not act hastily to prosecute Almodiel is order to provide the latter a chance to answer his liabilities. However, Aloba recommended for his immediate relief. What is ridiculous, is the majority-members of the Municipal Council who filed the complaint before the Visayas Ombudsman instead of the Commision of Audit. I am certain that the said complaint the Council resolution lodged before the Visayas Ombudsman be referred back to the Commission on Audit for proper evaluation. The Ombudsman has no technical know-how in the determination of the liability of Almodiel, not even the Provincial Treasurer. Only COA.

3)What happened to the recommendation of cluster auditor Aloba to replace Almodiel? Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre wrote a letter to the Municipal Mayor requesting for recommendees as possible replacement of Almodiel. On January 8, 2009, the mayor submitted three recommendees. To accuse the mayor of not acting on the request of Atty. Salubre is highly irresponsible and malicious. The January 8 letter will not lie. In fact, the power to appoint the Municipal Treasurer is with the Secretary of Finance. Why fault the mayor for failure to abide by the recommendations of cluster auditor Aloba? The power of COA is only recommendatory while the appointing power belongs to the Secretary of Finance. Atty. Roy Salubre and Mayor Ritchie Wagas has no power to appoint or replace a Municipal Treasurer. But the mayor is mandated to submit nominees, which, in fact, he has been faithfully complying. Section 470 of R.A. 7160 will enlighten us and resolve the defamatory accusation of the majority-members of the Sanguniang Bayan of Compostela.

4)The three members of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation, who personally filed the complaint before the Visayas Ombudsman wanted to divert the real issue confronting the people of Compostela. Failure to pass the 2009 Annual Budget is a crime. Last April 30, 2009, the three members of the Committee on Finance has been formally charged before the Visayas Ombudsman for inaction, including Vice-Mayor Joel Quiño.

I believe that your failure to get our side is not deliberate.

Gilbert Reyes Wagas

Municipality of Compostela