Gov't worker in Naga, Cebu detained over loss of P12M from city coffers

A worker of the City Treasurer's Office in Naga City, Cebu Province was detained at the City of Naga Police Station female custodial facility for alleged loss of around P12 million from the city coffers.

She was detained at about 6 p.m. on February 19, 2024.

The 44-year-old liquidating officer allegedly started her illegal activities toward the end of 2022. She was entrusted to collect taxes and deposit the money in the bank.

However, in a report made by the Commission on Audit, the liquidating officer failed to present documents on a so-called money trail, or the series of connected financial transactions and exchanges.

Police Lt. Col. William Homoc, Naga Police Station chief, said that the liquidating officer's lifestyle changed indubitably, including frequent out-of-the country travels.

Homoc confirmed to GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak that the woman admitted taking a sum from the total collection five days a week.

The news team sought comment from the suspect in her detention cell, but she refused an interview. Workers at the City Treasurer’s Office also refused to be interviewed when the team tried also to reach for comment.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong said that the incident saddened him as the loot, upon initial investigation, is quite a sum already.

He said he will wait for further reports from COA on the exact amount lost from the city coffers while the City Legal Office is studying the appropriate charges to be filed against the suspect.

The City Legal Office, Office of the Mayor, and the City Treasurer's Office are expected to file charges against the liquidating officer.

He vowed that the incident will not affect city government services to constituents. —GMA Regional TV