MUNICIPAL government officials of Liloan, Cebu are in hot water after government auditors raised questions as to why they bought and served lechon (roast pig) for every imaginable occasion in 2022, including activities by private groups that had little to do with public interest.
The 2022 audit report on the local government unit (LGU) revealed Liloan bought 207 whole lechon totaling P1.357 million and charged the cost under Representation Expenses.
State auditors said the expenditure violated provisions of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code prohibiting the use of public funds for “religious or private purposes.”
The audit team noted that among the recipients of Lioan’s generosity were private organizations, parish pastoral councils, Knights of Columbus, and schools.
Among the events graced by a roast pig were founding anniversaries, assemblies, get-togethers, capability buildings, launching activities, team buildings, inductions, oathtaking, thanksgiving, moving up and graduation exercises, homecoming, Christmas light up and thanksgiving party.
“A transaction conducted in a manner that deviates or departs from, or which does not comply with standards set is deemed irregular. A transaction which fails to follow or violates appropriate rules of procedure is, likewise, irregular,” auditors pointed out.
For its own ends, the LGU also sent lechon to yearend assessments and Christmas parties of various departments, including the local police station; three planting activity; inaugurations; the blessing of a basketball court; groundbreaking of public roads; and local festivals.
Auditors noted that the LGU’s bureaus and departments contracted buffet meals but still had lechon to feast on.
“The procurement of lechon for the above-mentioned activities was deemed unnecessary for it is not essential in carrying/attaining the objectives of the programs or activities at hand. Also, the grant of lechons to private organizations and religious groups was deemed irregular,” the Commission on Audit said.
Instead of spending on lechon, the COA said the money should have gone instead to more urgent projects or services for Liloan residents.
A copy of the audit report was received by the office of Liloan mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco, who succeeded mayor-elect and now Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Based on the breakdown of purchases attached as Annex E to the audit report, 102 of the lechons were bought and paid for between January to June 2022, under the administration of Secretary Frasco as then Liloan mayor.
