THE City Government of Tagbilaran says that it remains committed to upholding high standards of financial transparency and accountability, addressing historical financial issues while maintaining a focus on sound fiscal management practices.
Recent news articles have brought attention to dormant accounts and unliquidated funds associated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Upon verification with the City Accountant, Ms. Eleanor Beniga, these dormant accounts amounting to P3,775,670.45 and the account due from NGO’s/POs amounting to P10,950,000.00, were carried over from the previous administration to the administration of Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap and the present administration of Mayor Jane Yap. She added that these transactions were incurred between 2008 and March 2013.
Ms. Beniga recalled that upon assumption of Mayor John Geensell “Baba” Yap II to office in July 2013, he promptly initiated corrective actions in handling the financial transactions in the City Government of Tagbilaran, foremost of which is the implementation of a policy against securing cash advances by non-bonded employees, a practice that appeared to be very rampant before Mayor Baba Yap assumed into office.
The city government likewise pursued legal actions against employees who were found to have misappropriated government funds. As a result, one individual was found guilty and convicted and is now currently serving sentence of imprisonment and ordered to make restitution of the misappropriated funds.
Ms. Beniga further pointed out that under the leadership of Mayor Jane Yap, the city has successfully liquidated all funds released to various NGOs and people’s organizations during her term.
The Office of the City Accountant exerted efforts to compel the accountable officers to liquidate their cash advances and funds released to NGOs more than a decade ago.
In relation to this, the Office of the City Accountant, received a certification from the Commission on Audit that the said decade accounts are still under review by the Commission for write-off.
Ms. Beniga also emphasized the city’s proactive approach, saying, “We have taken every possible step to ensure that all issues related to dormant accounts and unliquidated funds are resolved. The City Government of Tagbilaran remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”
The City Government of Tagbilaran’s commitment to exemplary fiscal management has been consistently recognized since 2014.
Records show that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has awarded the city such prestigious Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) seal, which is a clear testament to its adherence to rigorous accounting and auditing standards.
This recognition has been maintained through the terms of both former Mayor Baba Yap and current Mayor Jane Yap, with the city continuing to receive the Good Financial Housekeeping seal in 2022 and 2023.
Mayor Jane Yap highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our administration is fully committed to ensuring that the City Government of Tagbilaran operates with the highest levels of transparency and accountability. We are dedicated to maintaining the trust of our constituents by managing public funds responsibly and effectively.”
The City Government also remains open to the public for any inquiries, reflecting its commitment to consultative and participatory governance. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to visit City Hall, call 412-2222, or email cgotagbilaran@yahoo.com.
The City Government of Tagbilaran further says that it remains committed to fiscal responsibility, working diligently to improve financial practices and ensure the efficient allocation of public resources for the benefit of its citizens. The same source says that Mayor Jane Yap believes that a public office is a public trust, and assures the community that this trust will not be compromised under her leadership.
