MEMBERS of the Regional Association of Treasurers and Assessors (Regata) expressed sympathy for Cebu provincial treasurer Roy Salubre who was among those found guilty of grave misconduct in the 2008 Balili lot purchase.
Cebu City Treasurer Emma Villarete said members of the group are saddened with Salubre’s suspension.
At the same time, Villarete said the decision of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales was a reminder for government treasurers to always be careful in the performance of their functions.
“This also has a lesson for us. We are reminded to always make sure that whatever it is that we sign, we sign in accordance with the law,” she said.
Villarete said that Regata is prepared to extend financial assistance to Salubre.
The job of treasurer, she said, is not easy because they deal with government funds and elected officials. While they report to mayor, treasurers are under the Department of Finance.
Villarete cited the case of former Cebu city treasurer Eustaquio Cesa who was implicated in the graft case involving former city hall paymaster Rosalina Badana. Badana disappeared with P18.5 million in city government funds. /Edison A. delos Angeles Correspondent