Rama asks BLGF to retain Oliva

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has asked the Bureau of Local Governance Finance to extend acting city treasurer Ofelia Oliva’s tour of duty in the city.

Rama, who was in Manila yesterday for a meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways officials, commended Oliva for improving the tax collection in the city.

The Mayor said this is the primary reason why he wants her stay in Cebu City. Oliva will be transferred to Mandaue City effective Monday.

“Ako man ang mayor. This is my first term so I am asking the BLGF, dili diay mahimo?” Rama asked.

Oliva, who is known to be an expert in resource mobilization and is also considered an authority in collecting from delinquent taxpayers and business establishments, has been in Cebu City for more than two years now.

She started working as acting city treasurer in 2011 during the term of then mayor and now Rep. Tomas Osmeña. She was then the city treasurer of Dumaguete City when she swapped post with Eustaquio Cesa upon the request of Osmeña.

Oliva was able to gain international exposure because of her dancing tax collectors.

In 2004, she was assigned to Pasay City as officer in charge after serving more than two years in Cebu City. Oliva also used to be officer in charge of Calamba City in 2007. In 2009, Oliva came back in Cebu City also upon the request of Osmena.

Talks have it that it was also Osmeña who requested the BLGF to transfer Oliva to Mandaue City. The congressman however denied it.

Oliva, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said that she is not yet aware of her re-assignment saying that she has not received a letter communication from the BLGF.

But if the report is true, Oliva said, “It’s time to say goodbye” especially to the dancing tax collector’s program.

Councilor Joey Daluz, who is the former chairman of the committee on budget and finance, also said that he heard Oliva’s impending reassignment but sees no politics in it.

“As far as I know, this is a regular rotation,” Daluz said.

“She is a good tax collector. The numbers will show,” Daluz added.  (FREEMAN)