MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered the provincial government of Batanes to stop granting excessive bonuses to its officials and personnel.
In a 2014 report released recently, state auditors said the employees received P14,500 each in productivity bonus in 2013, which is higher than the allowable amount of P5,000.
The COA said the amount cost the provincial government P5.9 million, instead of P2 million if the amount given was only P5,000.
State auditors cited Executive Order 80 signed by President Aquino in 2012, which provides that a P5,000 productivity bonus should be granted across-the-board in accordance with the guidelines set by the government.
The provincial government defended their action, citing fiscal autonomy. It said local government units are empowered to decide on the amount of bonus to grant to its workers.