Rules governing LGU treasurers tightened
TO IMPROVE local treasurers’ compliance with expenditure and income reporting, the Department of Finance (DOF) will conduct a nationwide performance appraisal starting June, under which those found with “unacceptable” levels of performance would be sanctioned.
The full performance appraisal to be conducted by the Bureau of Local Government Finance will cover all provincial, city and municipal treasurers as well as assistant treasurers, the DOF said in a statement on Wednesday.
This was aimed at hitting the standards, metrics and appraisal system put in place by Department Order No. 6-2015 issued by Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima on Jan. 20, to improve local revenue generation.
“Local treasurers and assistant treasurers serve constituents better in a results-oriented performance culture. We want to elevate the local treasury profession and help local chief executives get the best possible treasurers using merit and performance as the key decision factors,” Purisima said.
The DOF is mandated to supervise the treasury operations of local government units (LGUs), while the finance secretary has the appointing and disciplining authority over all LGU treasurers and assistant treasurers under Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code.
According to the DOF, the upcoming performance appraisal shall measure not only local treasurers’ revenue generation and expenditure management goals, but also non-treasury work competencies such as behavior.
Results of this appraisal will become the basis for local treasurers’ promotion, renewal of designation and extension of service, capacity building, as well as awards and recognition, the DOF said.
The appraisal also aims to enhance submission of LGUs’ income and expenditure reports. Last year, the DOF reported that seven out of every 10 local treasurers did not submit reports on time.
“Local treasurers and assistant treasurers who fail to meet the benchmarks will be given assistance to improve performance, but if the results will continue to be unacceptable, the DOF will institute the appropriate administrative action,” the agency said.
It warned that “failure to pass two consecutive performance appraisals could lead to removal of a local treasurer or assistant treasurer from the service.”
