Treasurer relieved from post

CEBU, Philippines - Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmeña has relieved Ofelia Oliva from her position as the city’s treasurer.

The mayor sent his letter to the office of the Bureau of Local Government Finance Thursday afternoon, requesting for Oliva to be replaced.

In an interview, Osmeña clarified that the replacement of Oliva from office has nothing to do with the recent burglary at the Office of the Toledo City Treasurer where over P1 million was reportedly taken.

“She (Oliva) has no direct involvement, the robbery has nothing to do with Oliva’s removal,” Osmeña said.

The mayor disclosed that Oliva is not visible in her office.

No announcement yet as to who will replace Oliva and Osmeña said he would wait for the appointment from Department of Finance.

Meanwhile, Osmeña believes that the burglary was an inside job.

Five of the tax collectors were supposed to be audited for their collections when the burglary happened.

Three of the employees had undergone a lie detector test by the National Bureau of Investigation-7 and results were negative.

Osmeña said he was expecting negative results.

“Ang lie detector test mo-register lang na kung gikulbaan sa pangutana, apan kung naanad na sa pangawat dili na kulbaan,” he added.

The names of the tax collectors were not divulged pending the ongoing investigations.

Osmeña had requested for the re-assignment of the five tax collectors and is now waiting for the results from the Civil Service Commission.

Further, the Toledo City government has already made precautionary measures to avoid the same incident from happening again.

Osmeña has ordered all collections be deposited to the bank and that no amount should be left in the cashier’s drawer.

Police have also been deployed around the Toledo City Hall, particularly the Treasurer’s Office, to provide more security. — Raymond Abarcas/ATO (FREEMAN)