DOF extends Cuevas term as Cebu City treasurer

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said that City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas will remain at her post as officer-in-charge even after her term extension already ended last Monday.

He said he met with Department of Finance Undersecretary Carlo Carag and was told that Cuevas could still continue performing her duties as city treasurer.

 “I am happy because I was able to see open affirmation so that Diwa can continue performing her job,” Rama said.

He was not sure, though, if Carag’s statement means Cuevas is permanently assigned as Cebu City treasurer or that it is merely another term extension since there is no written order yet from the DOF.

Section 470, Article II of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of the Philippines) states that “the treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking, eligible recommendees of the governor or mayor, as the case may be, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.”

In a January 12 letter, Rama recommended to DOF the names of Cuevas, City Accountant Mark Rosel Salomon, and former city councilor Jose Daluz III for the permanent position of city treasurer.

The DOF, however, informed the mayor that Daluz cannot be considered for the position as permanent treasurer since he lacks five years of experience on treasury matters.

Rama did not include Assistant Treasurer Tessie Camarillo and Emma Villarete, who applied for the treasurer, on the list he sent to the DOF.

Asked why, Rama said he has the prerogative to endorse to the DOF three names only.

During a press conference Tuesday night, Rama read Carag’s message informing the mayor that the undersecretary got the confirmation of DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima to allow Cuevas to continue functioning as city’s treasurer.

Rama appointed Cuevas as city treasurer on September 2, 2013, and requested the extension of her appointed to March 2014 after a previous extension ended September last year.

Rama also requested DOF to act on his recommendation to make Cuevas his permanent city treasurer so that the operation of the City Treasurer’s Office “will be unhampered.” —(FREEMAN)