Former city treasurer suspended for “unexplained wealth”

Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez yesterday placed former Cebu City treasurer Ofelia Oliva under a six-month preventive suspension for allegedly accumulating unexplained wealth worth P14 million.

Oliva, who was the treasurer of Cebu City sometime 2001 up to 2004, is facing charges for dishonesty and grave misconduct before the Ombudsman in Manila.

Her case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Department of Finance – Revenue Integrity Protection Service, which alleged that from 1972-2006, Oliva only filed her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth for the year 2004.

Although some of her former colleagues in City Hall are hesitant to believe that Oliva have millions of pesos worth of properties, the complaint alleged that the former Cebu City treasurer “committed perjury” when she denied under oath that she owns real property and motor vehicles.”

The finance officials submitted documents to support allegations that the respondent owns residential lots and houses in Paradise Village, Kasambangan, and in Alviola St. in barangay Tejero.

The Ombudsman also found out that, based on the documents obtained from the Land Transportation Office, Oliva owns a 2004 Mitsubishi (YBR-261); a 1996 Mitsubishi Gallant (GHW-158); and a 1994 Volkswagen (GBB-508).

Gutierrez said she strongly believes that Oliva is administratively guilty of dishonesty or grave misconduct, for having acquired wealth disproportionate to her lawful income, in the aggregate amount of P14M.

After her stint in Cebu City, Oliva worked as treasurer of Pasay City. – Rene U. Borromeo/QSB