Sanchez asks COA's legal opinion on LAF

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. is asking the Commission on Audit to render an opinion on the legality of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s memorandum relative to the use of the Legislative Assistance Fund in the province.

In a letter addressed to COA regional director Delfin Aguilar, Sanchez asked the agency’s legal opinion on the issue.

The governor issued a memorandum on June 28 doing away with the usual resolution from the provincial board for financial assistance chargeable against the legislative assistance fund.

Garcia said that the memorandum was aimed to streamline the processes for the projects and prevent unliquidation of assistance by the barangays.

Sanchez assailed the memorandum saying it was “patently illegal and prohibited exercise of the powers of the provincial board.”

According to Sanchez, the memorandum was an affront to the prerogatives of the legislative department. It has also removed the semblance of check and balance between the executive and the legislative departments.

Sanchez said that the governor’s memorandum has rendered the provincial board inutile with regards to the use of the funds exclusively earmarked for its operations, maintenance and other activities.

The vice governor said that the quotation of Section 465 (1) of the Local Government Code by Garcia was “erroneous” and is merely utilized as a sweeping basis for the memorandum without regard to the more specific provisions of the said law.

“In this light we would appreciate it if a legal opinion on the propriety of the assailed memorandum be officially released by the Commission on Audit,” Sanchez said.

Garcia however maintained that her move will minimize the burden of the members of the provincial board who cannot concentrate their role as legislators.

She also said that her office can closely monitor the implementation of projects funded by the LAF.

Garcia said her office received reports of alleged irregularities in the implementation of projects using LAF in Tuburan.

The governor directed the Provincial Legal Office to conduct further investigation into it and submit recommendations.

According to reports, somebody abused the use of LAF intended for the projects in the different barangays of Tuburan.

Garcia said her action will be based on the recommendation of Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla.   (FREEMAN NEWS)