THE Commission on Audit has issued a notice of disallowance against the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) procurement of P1.27 million COVID-19 supplies in 2020 due to irregularities.
In the 2021 audit of the OWWA released yesterday, July 5, COA said ND No. 2021-001 dated June 29, 2021 has been served against the deputy administrator who approved the purchase of hygiene kits, thermal scanners, and sanitary napkins from an establishment listed as a supplier of construction and hardware items.
The audit team also said the supplier-contractor, MRCJP Construction and Trading, could not be found in its given business address at No. 80 M Cornejo St., Malibay, Barangay 161, Pasay City.
OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac had earlier identified deputy administrator Faustino Sabares III as the accountable officer for the questioned procurement.
Auditors also said the contents of the hygiene kit was not itemized and the sanitary napkins were overpriced at P10, P20, or P30 per pad when they are sold in convenience stores at only P5 to P8 each.
They questioned the necessity of awarding the procurement contract to the chosen supplier when there were supermarkets and a reputable drugstore chain located near OWWA’s office that could have easily provided the items required.
In the audit report, the OWWA management said it has fully implemented all the audit recommendations, including requiring the deputy administrator to justify the selection of the supplier, present proof that the prices per item were reasonable, and to submit the sales invoice and official receipts of the transactions.
It added that it has already issued a directive to the deputy administrator to comply with the notice of disallowance.
“Copy of Notice of Disallowance dated June 29, 2021 …was received by the Management, where COA is compelling the accountable officer and concerned establishment to settle immediately the said disallowance,” the OWWA said.
It added that the deputy administrator has six months to file an appeal and explain his side.
