Sullivan speaks up on Capitol exit, decries 'awol' talks
Former Provincial Treasurer Melba Sullivan and
Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. during the launching of the
book "Local Taxation Plan Exemplars for Secondary
School Teachers" last year.
Take it or leave it. For one of the most outstanding treasurers Iloilo province ever had, it was a handed 'choice' – leave it.
As such, Provincial Treasurer Melba Sullivan ended her stint at the Capitol, marking 36 years of provincial government employ. While at it, she leaves a mark unmatched by predecessors and elsewhere in the region – a steady surplus in millions for the coffers of the provincial government.
Yet it was to be a hasty exit that caught her by surprise courtesy of the still unresolved and now highly-controversial Capitol budget. Sullivan was upfront with her admission saying said subject "definitely" caused it all having been caught in the middle of the Executive and Legislative squabble.
"Naipit ko sa inaway nila (I was in between their fight). I'm in the firing line as always. Tani madesisyonan na ina para tapos na tanan (I wish it will be resolved so it will be over for everybody)," she said.
Her booting orders also came at the wrong place at the wrong time. This, after having been notified of a disapproved sick leave and a new officer-in-charge in the Provincial Treasurer's Office (PTO) at a time she was hospitalized.
Sullivan broke her silence Friday in an interview with Bombo Radyo's Roger Gencianeo. In her words, Sullivan said she was given a choice by Governor Niel Tupas Sr. with the governor eventually deciding that the "best arrangement" was for her to leave the Capitol and give up her post.
And she could only shed more tears upon hearing the news of the 'governor-inspired' Capitol exit saying "I cried upon knowing… sentimental man daan ako but that's life, resgo ni tanan (these are the risks involved). Yet I have served the provincial government faithfully for 36 years."
Sullivan now assumes the office functions of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).
"Wala ko man ginpili galing gusto ni guv diri ta so ari ta di eh. (I did not choose this but this is what the governor wants for me so here we are)," Sullivan replied. Pressed on whether she wants to file a case against the governor, "What for?... In the first place if I did not want this position in the BLGF, then I should have resisted. It's ok with me... it is the best for everybody. My financial advice is no longer needed so I might as well stay with an organization where there is no hostile environment. I will be more useful here."
And she was never in "floating status" thereafter, she clarified, nor went on Absence With Out Leave (AWOL) saying said talks "were not right and so unfair to me."
"Araw pa na ya nga nag-awol. (That's too much to say I went on AWOL)," she lamented. "I have spent the best years of my life serving the treasury service with dual functions then. I think even the governor will acknowledge I have done my best. I am sad to leave the capitol... I have been outstanding treasurer for years. And on the score of me neglecting my duties, that is not true."
Sullivan also opted to make light the governor's remarks over a GMA Ratsada TV interview with Governor Tupas saying she lied to him.
"Siling niya nagbutig ako... wala siya (He said I lied to him..he has no) trust and confidence sa akon (on me)... that's ok... wala ko (I bear no) rancor sa iya, palangga ko still si guv. Tani mastorya pa ko sa iya (I was going to talk to him still) but that's ok," came her reply.
Asked in return if she herself still keep trust and confidence on her former superior, Sullivan remarked in jest, "That's a very tough question. Wala naman kami (We no longer have) association ni gov ah so unnecessary na kung may trust pa ko sa iya or wala."
In conclusion, Sullivan thanked colleagues in the Capitol and the governor, "thank you for everything. I have enjoyed and really had been enjoying my stay as department head. To the governor, I have no rancor."
To recall, a legal battle has ensued over the Capitol's Executive Budget with the governor's original planned expenditures met with a major Legislative cut. From the over P1 billion proposed by the governor, some P139 million was slashed including the scrapping of appropriations for positions occupied by three of governor's top associates.
An exchange of memos, Executive Orders and office orders within the Capitol also occurred thereafter bearing the "follow me" message of the governor. Closeby came the "follow us" reply of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) chaired by the governor's nephew, Vice Governor Rolex Suplico.
Capitol sources told The News Today (TNT) that Sullivan's fate has created a "serious demoralization" among longtime Capitol employees and officials. Such alongside the spread of the governor's purported message to office chiefs to either be with him on the Capitol budget battle or go on leave if otherwise.
"Matuod man to nga nagmasakit si Maam Melba ugaling may nagsutsot naman kay gov te kungdi tapas naman sa puesto. Budlay man sitwasyon namon diri bisan pa nga career positions kami, kahapos lang sa amon di tandugon. Sin-o naman ayhan masunod? (It was true that Maam Melba was sick but then someone was making an issue out of it to the governor so off her post she goes. We are in a shaky situation here even if we are career positions, it is easy to dislodge us. Who is next?) " asked one veteran Capitol figure who spoke on condition of anonymity.