To replace Camarillo: Mayor names 3 for treasurer

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has submitted three names to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) as his choices to replace Acting City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo.

In his letter dated November 21 addressed to BLGF-7 OIC Director Carmelane Tugas, he recommended former Cebu City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva, Acting Assistant City Treasurer Emma Villarete and Tax Mapping of Business Establishment Division Chief Juanita Monina Paires for the position.

From the three names, BLGF shall pick the Acting City Treasurer pursuant to Section 470 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code.

Rama said that the city government would appreciate a prompt response from the bureau since the city government, currently, has no Acting City Treasurer.

Rama has stopped acknowledging Camarillo, who is a BLGF-appointee, as the In-Charge of Office of the Local Treasury.

Rama wants Camarillo replaced, because he has lost trust and confidence on her.

The mayor was unhappy after Camarillo issued statements that the city cannot raise enough funds for the proposed P11.8 billion 2012 Annual Budget.

The letter dated November 21 is a follow-up to the first one he sent earlier requesting for Camarillo’s replacement.

The BLGF, however, said last week that Rama’s request was forwarded to the central office for guidance and instruction, because they have to determine first the propriety or validity of replacing the City Treasurer based on the grounds of lost of trust and confidence.

BLGF also advised Camarillo to stay put and not relinquish her post until the bureau can appoint another City Treasurer.

Camarillo, last November 11, wrote the BLGF and told the office that she is willing to relinquish her post because Rama already designated another In-Charge of Office in the person of Villarete.

BLGF said that Villarete is not qualified because her designation as Acting Assistant City Treasurer has last April 2010.

BLGF however told Rama in a separate letter to submit first a formal endorsement to designate Villarete as Acting Assistant City Treasurer.

Preference

Rama said that he prefers that the BLGF appoint Oliva, who is now his financial adviser.

“I don’t know if pwede ba basta I included her name because I want her to be the City Treasurer. Bahala na ang BLGF ana. They ought to be helping the city,” Rama said.

Oliva was recalled by the DOF after former Mayor, now Cebu City South District Representative Tomas Osmeña complained to the Department of Finance about Oliva overstaying as treasurer of the city.

Oliva’s designation as Acting Treasurer of Cebu City supposedly expired in January 2010 but she was extended thrice already while only two extensions are allowed by the DOF rules on reassignments and designations of officers-in-charge and by the DOF Personnel Order 335-2003.

Rama tried to appeal to DOF for Oliva’s extension, but his request was denied.

Oliva left the city the middle of this year, but she stayed as Rama’s financial adviser.

Next in his list is Villarete who he earlier designated as In-Charge-Office, but was not recognized by the City Council because of the absence of a formal designation by the BLGF.

His third option is Paires, who was recommended by her co-workers and some department heads.

Paires heads the tax mapping division and has been in the CTO for many years.

Rama said Paires should have known the CTO too well having stayed and worked there for a long time. — /NLQ (FREEMAN)