PHILIPPINE Ports Authority (PPA) officials responsible for approving the P10.835 million project for the construction of an infinity pool with guest rooms and multi-function rooms at the PPA Ports Management Office — Northern Luzon (PMO-NL) in 2020 have been held liable by the Commission on Audit.
In its 2021 report on the PPA, the COA said it issued a notice of disallowance on the project last October 25, 2021 as it declared the transactions as “unnecessary expenditures.”
A notice of disallowance carries with it a requirement for officials and personnel held liable to refund the disallowed sum to the government.
Other than tagging the infinity pool and the attached accommodations as “improper and wasteful” use of public funds, the audit team noted that the construction also caused the demolition of a canopy and a portion of the PMO-NL’s perimeter fence.
It pointed out that at the time of demolition, the canopy was relatively new having been constructed only a year before while the removal of the fence compromised the safety of government facilities, personnel, and guests.
Funding review led auditors to the finding that the money spent on the infinity pool and other improvements came from the budget intended for a planned new port development in Camarines Sur.
