GOVERNMENT auditors have urged the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to seek reimbursement from the Department of Health (DOH) for costs incurred in the operations and maintenance of structures in New Clark City and the National Government Administrative Center used as temporary quarantine facilities for patients sick with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020 and 2021.
Based on audit records, the BCDA paid various contractors and suppliers for utilities and maintenance of the NGAC buildings and the NCC Athlete’s Village the amount of P85.945 million in 2020, and P83.044 million in 2021.
However, under the memorandum of agreement signed by the agency with DOH and Clark Development Corporation, auditors noted that the BCDA failed to assert full reimbursement of all expenses as it only included medical manpower expenses and meals.
But given that the mandate “to protect, preserve or restore the health of the Filipino people” rests with DOH, the audit team said the BCDA role was only to help alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system.
The Commission on Audit clarified that while the BCDA is required to render assistance to the government’s pandemic response, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 16 only directed it to identify available structures in its jurisdiction that may be converted as isolation or quarantine facilities.
“We are cognizant of BCDA’s untiring efforts to assist the government’s response to address the national emergency brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it is also important that the funds being used by BCDA are within its mandate,” the commission said.
But rather than seek outright payment from DOH, the COA said BCDA can request the Department of Finance (DOF) to allow it to offset the expenses incurred against future dividends payable to the national government under the GOCC Dividends Law (RA 7656).
The BCDA management said it will forward the audit observations to the CDC since it was also a party to the MOA with DOH.
Likewise, the BCDA senior vice president for Corporate Services Group has requested the legal opinion of the Legal Services Group on how to pursue reimbursement from the DOH of the expenses on the maintenance and operation of the temporary quarantine facilities.
