P2.3 M irregular transactions noted by COA in Sibonga town’s accounts

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit has noted a total of P2.3 million worth of deficiencies and irregularities in several disbursement vouchers of Sibonga.

This is in violation to COA Circular 85-55A which defines irregular expenditures as being incurred without adhering to established rules, regulations, procedural guidelines, policies, principles or practices that have gained recognition in law.

Irregular expenditures are incurred without conforming to the prescribed usages and rules of discipline.

An audit of the 2012 transactions disclosed that 20 bags of corn seeds costing P15,000 purchased but remained stored in the pigpen at the house of one the staff of the Municipal Agricultural Officer instead of distributing them to farmers, resulting in the wastage  of government resources.

The municipal government said there was no available storage facility at the time of delivery and the said corn seeds were chemical treated so there was no option but to find a safe place.

Claims for the monthly transportation allowance for 2012 in the total amount of P1.3 million were not supported with a certification that the recipient does not use government vehicles and that said amount was incurred in the performance of official duties.

Additional landline telephone charges for calls made to cellular phones and/or long distance calls could not be traced to callers or called parties in the absence of logbook supported with duly approved call slips.

Expenses for meals during meetings attended by the Mayor and SB members of the municipality in restaurants in Cebu City are considered unnecessary and extravagant considering that the most economical and appropriate venue is a place within the municipality.

Meals served to organized groups, guests, visiting basketball teams and other visitors were paid without legal basis and supporting documents to show that the activities/games involved were government-related and/or official in nature.

Other findings include government motor vehicles that were not marked with “For Official Use Only” and official logo and name of the LGU while red plates of some government vehicles were not installed.

The municipality said that other deficiencies have already been corrected and supporting documents and requirements have already been attached to the vouchers.

COA recommended that all disbursements should be in pursuance of an appropriation law or other specific statutory authority, properly and completely supported with all the necessary supporting documents. —(FREEMAN)