City Treasurer Leonardo “Jun” Rivera Jr. claimed he was prevented from entering the Toledo City Treasurer’s Office, deepening a dispute over his return to the post.
Rivera said security personnel barred him from the office on January 29, which he described as the latest move blocking him from formally resuming his duties.
In a phone interview, Rivera said he received an endorsement dated January 27 from the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) executive director, along with a transmittal from the regional director, directing him to report back to his assigned station in Toledo City.
After receiving the documents, Rivera said he sent a notice of assumption to the City Human Resource Management Office and the Office of the Mayor, informing them that he would report for work immediately.
Rivera said he went to the Treasurer’s Office but was approached by three city lawyers who told him his documents were invalid and that he had no authority to assume the position.
“I was asked to leave… to avoid any confrontation, I left the office and informed them that every day I’m going to report for work,” Rivera said.
He maintained that he was duty-bound to comply with what he described as the latest directive from his supervising agency.
The following day, Rivera said the situation escalated when he again attempted to report for duty but was stopped by security guards.
He claimed the office was padlocked and that he was denied entry.
The Toledo City Government denied the allegation, saying the Treasurer’s Office remained open for legitimate public transactions and that no padlocking took place.
City Legal Officer Atty. Hazan Bargamento said the city imposed entry regulations to maintain order after Rivera allegedly entered the office earlier with companions who had no official business there.
Bargamento said Rivera’s group was again denied entry the next day for failing to present any valid transaction.
“Even if the area is a public government space, the City has the duty to regulate access to ensure orderly operations, avoid disruption, and prioritize residents who are there for actual transactions,” Bargamento said.
Rivera insists BLGF and Department of Finance directives support his return, while the city government pointed to pending administrative and criminal complaints against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The city also cited a January 13, 2026 letter which it said showed Rivera consenting to hold office at the BLGF regional office, a claim Rivera has not publicly addressed in detail.
The Toledo City Council has passed a resolution stating it will not recognize Rivera’s return while cases against him remain unresolved.
The city government has also elevated the matter to the Civil Service Commission, arguing that earlier rulings in Rivera’s favor are not yet final.
Rivera said he has sought guidance from the CSC regional office and is awaiting advice from his legal counsel on his next steps. (SBA)
