GOOD intentions are not an excuse to violate the law.
In the 2021 audit released last March 10, government auditors warned the city government of Cauayan, Isabela that it violated provisions of the amended Radio Control Law or RA 3846 when it purchased P1.4 million worth of radio communications equipment without first securing the necessary permits.
Based on records, the procurement took place in October and November 2021 which included four radio base repeaters (P440,000), 35 radio base with complete accessories (P343,000), 33 XTR10 handheld radios (P297,000), and 40 XTR5 handheld radio (P320,000).
All the purchases were made through contractor-suppler JD Enterprises.
However, the audit team found that the transactions did not have the required permits from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Auditors said the dealer did not attach a permit to sell in the disbursement voucher which is a mandatory requirement in case the equipment needs servicing.
Likewise, the city government was found to have failed to secure permits to purchase, possess, and operate the communications equipment.
While the radio system was supposed to upgrade the capabilities of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the audit team pointed out that the NTC will not be able to monitor and control of the system as required by law.
In a letter to the Commission on Audit dated January 28, 2022, the city government informed the COA that it will coordinate with the NTC for the fulfillment of the requirements to the full use of its radio system in times of calamities and other emergencies.
