CEBU, Philippines - Unliquidated cash advances incurred by Bogo City in 2012 increased by 141 percent, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.
COA’s report for 2012 said the city’s cash advances totalled P7,784,347.06, which can be attributed to its failure to liquidate the same.
This is reportedly in violation of COA Circular No. 97-002 dated February 10, 1997 and Section 89 of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1445.
The law requires all cash advances to be fully liquidated at the end of each year and that a cash advance shall be reported on and liquidated as soon as the purpose for which it was granted has been served.
COA’s verification of the account, however, disclosed that P4,380,000 or 56 percent of the total amount represents cash advances for intelligence funds.
It was alleged that the liquidation was sent to COA Central Office but the city has not received the Credit Notice until today.
On the other types of cash advance, COA noted that despite previous ones not having been liquidated, other cash advances were granted, thus, the balance of the account kept on increasing year after year.
“Liquidation of the cash advance was not also strictly monitored. Unliquidated cash advance has increased by P4,556,709.00 or 141% compared to last year’s P3,233,908.06 only,†the audit report reads.
COA said that due to the deficiencies, expenses incurred out of the cash advances were not recognized and recorded, resulting in the understatement of expenses and overstatement of Government Equity and Assets.
The city accountant informed COA that demand letters were sent to employees with unliquidated cash advances. Some employees, meanwhile, have reportedly settled their cash advances through a salary deduction scheme.
On the other hand, a follow–up letter will be prepared for COA Central Office for the Intelligence Fund.
COA recommended that city officials and employees should adhere strictly to the rules and regulations on the grant, utilization and liquidation of cash advances.
It further recommended that the issuance of demand letters to concerned employees for the immediate liquidation of their cash advances, otherwise, appropriate administrative and or legal sanctions should be enforced.
As to the intelligence funds, COA asked to follow–up the issuance of the Credit Notice to fully settle the account, if not to reduce the account to its minimal balance. — (FREEMAN)