Toledo City Hall Issues Official Denial of Treasurer's Office Lockdown
The City Government of Toledo has firmly refuted circulating reports alleging a lockdown at the City Treasurer's Office (CTO) on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This action was purportedly intended to block the return of former City Treasurer Leonardo "Jun" Rivera Jr. to his position.
Official Clarification from City Hall
Through an official statement, City Hall clarified that the CTO remains fully operational and accessible to the public for all legitimate city transactions. City Legal Officer Hazan Bargamento explained that the measures implemented were merely crowd control protocols to ensure orderly office operations and prevent any potential chaos or disruption.
Bargamento stated that these controls were enacted following an initial incident where Rivera arrived at the office accompanied by individuals described as bodyguards and supporters. Their presence, without a clear official purpose for being at the CTO, and their act of recording videos and taking photographs reportedly interfered with the normal workflow of office employees.
Viral Video and Conflicting Authorities
Contrasting the official narrative, a viral video surfaced showing Rivera standing outside the CTO entrance, apparently being barred by security personnel. In the footage, a guard is heard citing a verbal order from Mayor Marjorie "Joy" Perales as the reason for denying entry.
Rivera has questioned this action, asserting he possesses valid reinstatement orders from the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Region 7. These documents authorized his reassumption of the City Treasurer post effective January 10, 2026.
Roots of the Administrative Conflict
This power struggle has deeper administrative roots. Despite the DOF's reinstatement order for Rivera, Mayor Perales had previously appointed a caretaker for the CTO. On January 9, she issued a memorandum designating Glenda Macapobre to the role, creating a direct conflict of authority.
Due to the failed turnover of official documents and the ongoing tension at City Hall, Rivera has been operating temporarily from the BLGF 7 office in Cebu City. He has issued a warning, stating that city payrolls and check disbursements could become questionable if signed by an official without clear authorization from the Department of Finance.
Historical Context of the Controversy
The current standoff is not an isolated event but stems from a controversy that began in 2024. Rivera was relieved from his position at that time amid allegations related to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), including accusations of "double dealings" and "ghost employees" within the office. Rivera has consistently denied these allegations.
The situation highlights a significant clash between local executive authority and national financial department mandates, leaving the operational control of Toledo's City Treasurer's Office in a state of unresolved dispute.
