After no ID, no entry Rama issues "first come, first served" memorandum

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has issued a directive to the city's finance team to process all claims on a first come, first served basis.

He addressed his memorandum to City Budget Officer Nelfa Briones, City Accountant Officer Marietta Gumia, Assistant City Accountant Diwa Cuevas and City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva.

The mayor said there must be order of priority in the processing of various claims.

“This is to avoid red tape and bureaucracy and to promote good governance," Rama said.

The mayor, however, said urgent items are exceptions to the rule, such as cash advances for travel and registration fees for seminar, conventions and trainings.

Rama is aware of several complaints against the slow processing at the City Hall.

But with his new memorandum, Rama is hopeful that transactions will now be smooth.

He said requests for prioritization need to be acted upon by all government agencies concerned - either barangay or city transaction with specific orders by the mayor and the city administrator.

Also included in the exemption are the payrolls of salaries and wages, bonuses and remittances, and the RATA of officials, department and assistant heads.

The discretionary expenses, electricity, communication expenses, registration and licenses are also exempted from the memorandum. – (FREEMAN)