A retired city hall executive who had the courage to question the tax payments of a twin media powerhouse survived verbal attacks in retaliation from her tormentor but succumbed to a short bout with liver cancer. Retired City Treasurer Vicitacion Acero was in the headlines a couple of months ago when she figured in a heated skirmish with the Chronicle-DYRD combine over tax payments. The twin media enterprise accused City Mayor Dan Neri Lim as having orchestrated the tax investigation. The tax bashing episode was fodder in the torrid exchange of cannon fire involving the two protagonists Caught in the crossfire of the two warring parties, Acero was forced to face the wrath of the powerful media firm. Apparently piqued of what the city treasurer did to them, at least five administrative and criminal cases were filed against Acero before the Department of Finance by the media outfit. On the surface, it was like a fight between David and Goliath but luckily for Acero, the DOF chose to take cognizance of her long and dedicated service of the department. Four of the five cases were dismissed while the other one earned her a reprimand for simple negligence. The reprimand came after the Chronicle presented to Acero a levy notice representing tax payments in a given period. With her cases thrown out and settled for good, Acero thought it was time for her to go as a dedicated public servant earning her the privilege of retirement early this year. But it was one retirement not meant to be enjoyed for long. Not long after, she was diagnosed to have signs of liver cancer.

The end came for the former city treasurer came last Tuesday morning when she lost in her battle with the deadly liver disease. As soon as her death was known, City Mayor lost no time in paying tribute to the former city treasurer. In her radio program yesterday, Acero cited the valiant effort of Acero to face the music of trying to collect alleged unpaid taxes of the rich and the powerful. By this, it was apparent that Lim was referring to his nemesis— the DYRD and Bohol Chronicle. In trying to defend itself from accusations of tax deficiencies, the media firm showed receipts of tax payments. But Mayor Lim in the same radio program yesterday said that in due time he will publish the reported tax lapses of his sworn adversary if only to clear the air of who is telling the truth. On a weekly basis, the running word war between two powerful forces become part of the informative diet in intellectual discourse among city residents, although at times it borders on the libelous and ridiculous. The mayor through his daily and weekly programs took potshots to the men and women of Station DYRD and the Bohol Chronicle in self defense to his foe's blocktimers who also minced no words in their verbal attacks against the city executive. Almost every Sunday, the mayor was also at the receiving end of biting editorials from the print sister of the radio station.

ACERO'S DEATH   

Acero, who was appointed city treasurer by Lim, retired early this year. She was among the city government officials who were honored during the 43rd Charter Day celebration last July 1. The mayor said that those who knew Acero knew a lady who was simple and amiable. “She was so unassuming that she was hardly even noticed by those who go to her office,” Lim added. The mayor lauded Acero for being a hard worker and industrious public servant even during those times when she was not feeling physically healthy. “She is a model not only to those who worked under her but to all of us who continue to be in public service. The mayor said he could not ask for anything more from Acero and pointed out that those who really knew her cannot say anything negative against her. Lim pointed out that under Acero's watch, the tax collection of the city was intensified and increased significantly. “Because of her efforts, the city treasury was greatly improved which resulted not only in the implementation of more projects that benefited our people but also in more benefits for our city employees,” he added.

The mayor however made it clear that while Acero was humble and soft-spoken, this did not mean that she would not stand up for the truth. “Because she stood up even against the rich and the powerful, she received many threats, insults and jeers from those who have no regard for decency,” he added. Even though she deserved to be praised and honored for her sincere efforts, Lim said she did not flinch in the face of relentless attacks on her person by those who were paid to savage her. “Of course, we won't be surprised about this because even the bishop and priests were not spared by the horde led by one pretending to be an angel,” he added. Lim said he is sad because at the end of Acero's term, she was rewarded by a complaint raised by the Bohol Chronicle who was angered by what she did. “To them, it was a cardinal sin for her to have the guts to make her own computation on the real amount of taxes that would be collected from them,” he added. Because they were used to throw their weight around in the way of dictators, to kowtow to the powers-that-be and to make false claims and accusations, Lim said

RETIREMENT DELAYED

Acero's retirement was not only delayed but her processing went through a lot of hassles. Lim said he is grateful that in spite of the persistent efforts of the powerful people who wanted to make Acero pay for doing her duty, the truth still prevailed. “According to the findings issued by Executive Director Ma. Presentacion Montesa of the Bureau of Local Government Finance last May 27, 2009, there was no evidence to prove the charges against her,” the mayor added.     Lim however noted that if Acero thought the Chronicle would finally leave her alone, she was mistaken. “In every opportunity, the lies and deceit against her person is revived,” he added.

The mayor said that last Sunday, the Bohol Chronicle editorial again subjected her to scorn, describing her as one whom he “let loose” to “harass” them with tax deficiencies. “Nobody can harass the powerful like the gods of the Bohol Chronicle, and definitely not Acero,” the mayor added. "She was greatly saddened by the continuing abuse until the time of her death,” the mayor added. Even until after her service has ended, Lim said she continued to be the object of abuse “by those who claim that they are sinless”. “Is this the way we treat our elders? Is this the way we treat women who are helpless against us? Is this how we repay those who work hard so the city can get what is due to it so it can render more service to the city?” the mayor asked.    Lim said that in honor of Acero, he vowed to continue what she has started. “This is the smallest way that a grateful city can do to send her off,” the mayor said.