Body to look into utilization of city funds pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales proposed an ordinance establishing a Fund Finding Commission to thoroughly investigate potential anomalies, safeguard public funds, and serve as the prosecutorial and coordinating arm of the city government in matters related to public fund recovery.

The councilor said the proposed commission backs the principles of the present administration headed by Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

This is in line with their commitment to good governance, anchored in transparency and accountability, while pursuing strict performance and integrity audits of the local government unit’s financial dealings and expenditures, Andales said.

He stated that the proposed ordinance was drafted based on initial assessments and reports that indicated the previous administrations had left a “substantial amount” of public funds unaccounted for, while some funds were allegedly handled through “questionable transactions.”

Further, due to engagements in certain procurement activities that raised “serious financial and legal concerns,” it prompted urgent action, said the councilor.

Andales’ proposal also stated that this measure stems from the administration’s policy directive to conduct a comprehensive financial, performance, and integrity audit of the city’s fiscal dealings.

This measure aims to ensure that any irregularities are properly investigated and that those responsible are held “administratively, civilly, and criminally liable,” while recovery actions are promptly enacted, he said.

It was learned that the Office of the Vice Mayor has begun certain investigative and audit activities with the assistance of tax and financial experts; thus, there is an urgent need to create a specialized body, such as the proposed commission, within the LGU.

The commission’s task is “investigation, prosecution, coordination” with other government agencies, and with recovery functions related to the irregularities that will be found.

“The creation of such a body will allow the city government to act swiftly and decisively in protecting public funds, strengthening institutional integrity, deterring future acts of corruption, and restoring public confidence in local governance,” stated the Andales proposal.

The commission, once approved, shall operate under the Office of the City Mayor. Aside from serving as the city government’s investigative, prosecutorial, and coordinating arm, it shall attend to any complaint against graft and corrupt practices among city employees, contractors, suppliers, and the like.

The commission shall be composed of three members appointed by the City Mayor. They must have proven competence, integrity, and experience in the fields of law, finance, and public administration.

The commission will also include the City Vice Mayor (ex officio) as head director, a Member for Financial Oversight, and a Member for Governance and Coordination, among others.

In line with this, Andales proposed that the commission and its undertaking be granted powers to issue subpoenas and conduct investigations.

Any person who is called to testify shall also have the right to counsel, while all investigations, hearings, and deliberations of the commission shall be confidential. (CEBU NEWS)