COA to TUP: Return P23.1-M bonuses

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) is demanding a refund of more than P23.1 million worth of bonuses granted to officials, faculty, and employees of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) in December last year.

In a report released recently, state auditors said the bonuses – sourced from the academic institution’s special trust fund (STF) – were not authorized by the Department of Budget and Management.

The COA report said TUP’s Manila, Cavite and Visayas campuses were given incentive pay of P25,000 to P30,000 each, which violates Republic Act 8292, the Salary Standardization law. State auditors said only the President can approve these incentives.