Rama asking for Tessie exit

IT’S official: Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wanted Acting City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo replaced immediately.

In a letter sent last Nov. 4, Rama asked the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) to replace Camarillo.

He also designated Asst. City Treasurer Emma Villarete to explain the revenue sources of the 2012 budget to the City Council.

But Councilor Edgar Labella said until Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima revokes Camarillo’s appointment, she will continue to occupy the position.

“There is a principle that the authority to hire goes with the authority to fire.  I don’t think Camarillo’s appointment had been revoked,” he said.

Rama wrote BLGF executive director Ma. Presentacion Montesa saying that he lost his trust and confidence in Camarillo and asked her to appoint an acting city treasurer immediately due to the ongoing budget hearings with the council.

Rama told reporters yesterday that he won’t mind who the BLGF would appoint so long as Camarillo is replaced.

He said he was supported by department heads whom he called for a secret balloting in a Nov. 2 meeting.

The mayor said the attending department heads voted “an overwhelming no” when asked if Camarillo can defend the budget’s revenue sources.

He said the department heads voted for Villarete to defend the budget.

While waiting for her replacement, Rama said he would continue to allow Camarillo to oversee the operations of her office.

Rama called the Local Finance Committee consisting of Camarillo, budget officer Nelfa Briones and planning officer Alipio Bacalso and other department heads to his office to discuss preparations for the budget hearing scheduled at 1 p.m yesterday.

Camarillo no longer showed up at the session hall.

Instead, City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete presented to the council Rama’s letter telling them that he already sought Camarillo’s replacement.

The mayor said he only allowed Poblete, Briones, Bacalso and seven officers of the city’s Economic Enterprises to attend the budget hearing.

Rama confirmed that Villarete will speak on the budget revenue sources.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. asked how the vouchers and other documents sent to Camarillo’s office would be signed considering that Rama sought her replacement. Poblete said he couldn’t answer his query.

Despite Rama’s approval of Villarete, the council still didn’t allow her to speak during yesterday’s budget hearing.

The hearing will resume this afternoon. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac