For more than 10 years now, a former treasurer of the Dumaguete City government charged with overpricing in the purchase of a weighing scale has not rendered actual service for the city but been receiving her salary from it regularly.

Former Dumaguete City treasurer Ofelia Oliva, now the acting treasurer of Pasay City, was accused of overpricing in the purchase of equipment for the city slaughterhouse in the early 1990s.

The item purchased was valued at only about P70,000, but the city spent more than 10 times the amount.

The case has dragged on for more than 10 years now, with hearings conducted in Cebu, Davao and now in Manila.

Although assigned in Pasay, Oliva still gets her salary from the Dumaguete City government.

Mayor Agustin Perdices will take the witness stand in Manila on the case of Oliva today and tomorrow before the Sandiganbayan, along with three other witnesses.

City legal officer Neil Ray Lagahit said that, until the case is resolved, the city government will continue to pay Oliva of her monthly salary of about P19,000 and representation and traveling allowance of P5,600.

Some quarters, however, said this is unfair to city taxpayers, as Oliva is being paid with their money.

Another point is that until it is declared vacant, the plantilla position of Oliva can not be filled up, Lagahit said.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission in Region 7 has granted the request for extension of the services of a retired city hall employee.

Estelita Bais retired on Jan. 6 this year but her services as in-charge of office of the City Treasurer's Office was requested by the city government up to July this year, to pave the way for a smooth transition to her replacement.*JG

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