Bantayan wants checks re-issued

CEBU, Philippines —  The municipality of Bantayan, Bantayan Island, Cebu has appealed to Governor Pamela Baricuatro to reissue 13 checks amounting to ?48 million, which have become stale and, in some cases, lack corresponding vouchers issued during the past administration.

During the Serbisyo Karaban of the Capitol yesterday, Mayor Orlando “Alex” Layese said the funds, if released, would significantly aid in the development projects of the municipality, ranging from road concreting to other promised infrastructure.

In a separate interview, he explained that upon assuming office he reviewed the town’s financial records and found the stale checks in the treasurer’s office.

“Kadaghan man unta ana sa magamit nga proyekto… ikaduha nakong hangyo atubangan sa mga Bantayanon nga unta ma re-issue unta nimo, gov,” Layese said.

A stale check, or stale-dated check, refers to one not presented for payment within six months of its issue date. Banks may refuse to honor them, requiring the issuer to reissue a new check or place a stop payment order. In this case the amounts of the checks varied --some are worth ?5 million, ?3 million, and ?2 million-- but collectively totaled ?48 million.

The mayor plans to personally visit the Capitol next week to formally negotiate the matter, emphasizing that the funds should be used for the original intended projects.

“Kung road concreting, mao gihapon among himuon. Para sa akoa, what is for Bantayan is for Bantayan,” he said.

Baricuatro confirmed awareness of the stale checks and said those with existing deposits but left unencashed will be prioritized for reissuance.

“Kanang stale check, naa na siyay deposit pero wala pay na-encash, mao nay atong unahon,” she said.

Provincial administrator Joseph “Ace” Durano said stale checks unclaimed within the six-month validity period but with available funds can be re-issued.

“Ang buhaton ana, i-re-issue lang nato so we can start,” Durano said.

However, he noted that some checks issued in the past --particularly those for financial assistance-- were released without vouchers and without actual budget allocation.

“Pasabot ana, wala nay pondo. Sa ingon ana nga kaso, I suggested to mayor nga request nalang bag-o ni Gov Pam,” Durano said.

He explained that proper fiscal procedure requires a request to be signed by department heads, approved by the governor, and supported by a certified voucher before a check can be prepared.

“Ang usa pud sa mopirma sa voucher is ang budget officer to ensure nga naay budget supporting the check that will be issued,” Durano said.

When asked if all the checks for Bantayan could be reissued, Durano was clear: “No. Kana nga giingon ni mayor nga pila lang kabuok ana ang stale mao ra na ang ma-reissue.”

Baricuatro agreed, saying that checks without the budget officer’s signature would be difficult to process immediately.

“Katong walay sign sa budget officer, lisod kaayo na pa karon dayon,” she said.

The governor also noted that Bantayan’s case is not isolated.

“Daghan kaayo’g mayors nga manganha nato. It has something to do with fiscal management from the previous administration,” she said.

“They have a habit of issuing checks without ensuring nga there is pondo,” Baricuatro added.

According to the Commission on Audit’s Circular No. 92-382, no money shall be disbursed unless the local budget officer certifies the existence of an appropriation, the local accountant obligates said appropriation, and the local treasurer certifies the availability of funds.

The same regulation requires vouchers to be certified and approved by the head of the concerned department or office and, in the case of local funds, to be approved by the local chief executive.

For Layese, the resolution of this issue is vital.

“Kinahanglan nga at least sa akong administration may magamit kami gikan sa Kapitolyo. Dili g’yud mi nga usbag, kung wala na siya,” he said.