MANILA, Philippines - The National Tax Research Center (NTRC) of the Department of Finance (DOF) has thumbed down a proposal pending at the House of Representatives seeking to transfer the power to appoint local treasurers to the city mayor or governor from the Secretary of Finance.
Under the present system, as provided by the Local Government Code of the Philippines, the power to appoint local treasurers rests upon the Secretary of Finance who acts upon the recommendation of the governor or city mayor.
According to the proponents of the proposed legislation, the transfer would provide a better chance for local chief executives to appoint a treasurer who will fit harmoniously into the local administrative organization.
Negros Oriental Representatives Joselyn Limkaichong, George Arnaiz and Pryde Henry Teves said this would ensure local administration support to the treasurer’s works and projects.
However, the NTRC said that the proposal would only make local treasurers more vulnerable to political pressures.
“Serving at the pleasure of the appointing power, local treasurers may be pressured to grant political favors due to apprehensions of being removed from the service,” NTRC executive director Lina Isorena said in a position paper on the proposal.
She said the post of local treasurer and assistant treasurer are sensitive positions.
“The post of local treasurer and assistant treasurer are sensitive positions. They perform not only local functions but also assume national and governmental functions. They play a delicate role during elections. The Omnibus Election Code directs local treasurers to take custody of election supplies and paraphernalia. Local treasurers must be free from political pressures and harassment to perform this task,” Isorena said.
She explained that while the present system encourages local treasurers to perform their functions with neutrality and diligence, the transfer of appointing powers may compromise this if in every election or every change in administration, a different local treasurer will be appointed.
NTRC said that the Finance Secretary needs to fulfill his mandate to oversee fiscal policies and revenue operations at the local level.
“Thus, while the contention of the proponent that the proposal is in line with the constitutional mandate on local autonomy is recognized, it is important to note that local autonomy must be carried out in a system that promotes professionalism and efficiency in public service,” the NTRC said.