COA: Lapu-Lapu smartphones deal ‘excessive’

CEBU, Philippines -  The Commission on Audit questioned Lapu-Lapu City government’s purchase of 23 smartphones with the use of its disaster response and preparedness funds.

State auditors called the P389,000 purchase an “excessive expense” as they recommended the use of much cheaper smartphones.

The city however explained that the smartphones are used for geohazard mapping. The phones are also reportedly used by the personnel of City Treasurer's Office for their tax-mapping activities "in the absence of disasters."

In 2014, the city spent P1,159,342 to buy 23 smartphones, six laptops, three desktop computers, four hard disks and a printer. COA said these supplies are "beyond the purpose of LDRRMF (Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund)."

COA also noted that the smartphones were released to city employees who are not involved in disaster-related work.

It added that at least 18 smartphones were released to the staff of the City Treasurer's Office, another three to the City Planning and Development Office and one to the Information Technology Office.

In an exit conference with COA, city officials said smartphones have helped the CDRRMO in creating maps for evacuation centers, fire hydrants and in monitoring typhoons.

They added that tax mapping personnel were given instructions to pay attention to the fire extinguishers in every establishment they will visit within the city, which is in line with the disaster preparedness program.

But COA said geohazard surveys can still be done with fewer smartphones.

The city, however, said the purchase of these devices was prepared last 2013, when inexpensive models with required features were not yet available.

COA told the city to refund the amount spent from LDRRMF for these items using funds from the General Fund.  (FREEMAN)