Capitol to be strict on non-paying guest

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol plans to be very strict in allowing non-paying guests for the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo.

Acting Governor Agnes Magpale said that those who can really help in the promotion of the program will be allowed to join as non-paying participant.

Magpale said they have instituted several measures to cut cost following the Commission on Audit’s observation that a number of “deficiencies” on the expenses have reached P11,455,064.81 in 2012.

Magpale has tasked former Department of Tourism 7 director Patria Aurora Roa to answer the observation of COA.

“We are trying to strengthen things out nga ang tanan in order and in accordance with requirements,” Magpale said.

Among the measures is to lessen the number of non-paying participants.

“Pili-on gyud nato nga kanang makatabang sa program in the promotions. That should be one of the criteria,” Magpale said.

The COA earlier raised concern on the Capitol’s Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, specifically on the expenditures.

It also highlighted that there were instances in the number of Suroy-Suroy program that non-paying guests were more than the paying guests.

The findings also stated that there were no criteria as to who can qualify as non-paying guests and who will pay.

It stressed that in June 2012 for example, 44 guests participated.

But the list provided by the Provincial Tourism Office did not even provide the complete names of at least 10 of the said guests.

COA said that the amount spent in 2012 was 201 percent more than the total revenue collection of the program in that year which was P3,793,319.00.

This was made even as the Provincial Government still had to pay P67.5 million for the 26 buses it procured in October for the program, the COA pointed out.

Magpale said the Capitol lawyers are still reviewing the contract for the purchase of the said buses during the time of suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

COA questioned why the program was only institutionalized in 2012 when it has been there since 2004.

Magpale said that it was an executive decision since the Provincial Tourism and Heritage Council is under the Office of the Governor until the Provincial Board passed an ordinance institutionalizing the program.  (FREEMAN)