COA quizzed Ronda mayor’s“extravagant” travel expenses

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit has questioned at least two travels of Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III in Manila for being “extravagant.”

“We observed the expenditures made by Municipal Mayor during said travels as extravagant,” read COA’s annual report of Ronda’s 2014 financial operations.

Based on its findings, Blanco made an official travel in Manila on March 16 to 20, 2014 and on July 29, where he stayed at Diamond Hotel and Marco Polo-Ortigas, respectively. On both occasion he was billeted in a P5,500 per night room.

In his March travel, Blanco spent P3,500 for taxi fare and P7,213 for “meals/snacks” at Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant on July 28, 2014.

The mayor spent a total of P53,515 for both travels where he had reimbursed later on.

“These expenditures are immoderate, prodigal, grossly excessive, and judicious,” COA said.

COA also questioned Blanco’s failure to provide a travel order signed by Governor Hilario Davide III contrary to Section 96(b) of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code), which provides that mayors “shall secure permission of the governor concerned for any travel outside the province.”

During the exit conference, Blanco told COA auditors that he could not get a clearance from Davide being a non-political ally. He also refuted claims that his expenses were extravagant as Manila is already “so expensive” and he spent the funds for his group which sought for financial assistance from national officials.

He explained that the amount spent by the town for those travels was very little compared to the financial aid they would get later on.

COA said they would issue a notice of suspension for the reimbursement of the funds to Blanco.

The agency also told Blanco to explain or justify the “extravagant disbursements” on those travels. (FREEMAN)