Osmeña Bans Seminars Outside City

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has directed all employees and officials to refrain from conducting seminars, workshops, meetings and other similar activities outside the city.

In a memorandum, Osmeña said all activities sponsored and organized by the city government shall be done within the jurisdiction of the city.

The order however does not cover events and activities that need Cebu City delegates, but are not organized by the city government.

Cebu City Administrator Veronica Morelos said the directive will help the city government’s drive to save funds.

“It is to avoid being accused of excessive spending,” she said.

The Commission on Audit (COA) told the city in 2013 to avoid conducting seminars and trainings in posh hotels, resorts and other high-end venues.

The supervising state auditor at that time, Delia Monte de Ramos, found a total of PHP11.6 million in training expenses based on the annual report of the city’s 2012 operations and transactions.

Of the amount, some PHP5.4 million were spent on seminars and trainings for personnel of Cebu City Hall departments in hotels and resorts. (PNA) CVL/EB/EDS