THE Commission on Audit has called out the municipal government of Bamban, Tarlac over the delayed submission of documents pertaining to cash advances involving the local government’s use of P2.625 million Confidential Fund in 2023 – the only full year served by former Mayor Alice Guo.
According to the audit report released last December 1, COA said the municipal government failed to comply with the timetable set for the submission of cash advance vouchers to the audit team leader for post-audit.
Under Joint Circular No. 2015-001 issued by the COA, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Governance Commission on GOCCs (GCG), and the Department of National Defense (DND), the municipal government, through its accountant, has seven days after the release of the confidential fund checks to submit the cash advance vouchers together with the covering transmittal letter.
Based on audit records, there were three checks issued for confidential funds dated April 26, July 26, and November 15, 2023 in equal amounts of P875,000 each.
However, state auditors said the vouchers and transmittal letters were months late on July 6 and August 15, 2023 and the last one on January 3, 2024.
“This matter is intrinsically confidential and classified, necessitating strong internal control over the release and utilization of the funds and strict accounting and auditing rules to prevent mishandling or improper application of funds,” COA said.
The audit team recommended that acting Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion remind the municipal accountant to ensure compliance with the deadline for submission of cash advance vouchers for confidential fund releases.
In its reply, the municipal government said the delay was due to a miscommunication in its Accounting Office but added that, moving forward, it will adhere to the guidelines.
