DISBURSEMENTS totaling P35.33 billion made by various national government agencies in 2021 have been tagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) as “of doubtful validity” for non-compliance with documentary requirements and transparency rules.
On the other hand, P948.02 million in expenditures by state universities and colleges (SUCs) received an identical tag from state auditors on the same grounds.
“Disbursements amounting to P35.33 billion and P948.02 million for agencies and SUCs, respectively may be considered of doubtful validity due to absence of documents to establish propriety of transactions, or payments without legal basis or considered unauthorized/irregular/excessive of unnecessary,” the COA said.
The finding was included in the 506-page 2021 Annual Financial Report (AFR) for National Government Agencies released last October 8. A soft copy of the report has been posted and may be downloaded from the official COA website.
The biggest amount flagged in audit was P17.209 billion paid out as allowances, honoraria, benefits, or expenses that were found to be irregular or lacking in legal basis.
Among the agencies listed under this finding were the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Civil Aeronautics Board, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Tourism (DOT) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Auditors also found disbursements “without proper and complete supporting documentary requirements” totaling P15.152 billion.
Agencies listed under this include the Anti-Money Laundering Council, CHED, Commission on Elections, Bureau of Treasury, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Transportation, Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, DOH, DOT, the Office of the Vice President, and more than a dozen other attached agencies.
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology is also being questioned for fund transfers in 2021 totaling P2.243 billion.
Auditors said the fund releases and liquidations were “not adequately supported by required documents.”
A breakdown of the said fund releases showed P1.466 billion that went to different national government agencies, P554.19 million to private entities, and P223.465 million to non-government organizations.
The COA said the disbursements were contrary to the PCHRD’s mandate to evaluate funding applicants/proponents for research and development projects.
Likewise flagged were the P200.88 million improper monetization of leave credits by the Bureau of Fire Protection, National Youth Commission, Philippine Information Agency, and the Philippine Ports Authority.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, on the other hand, was found to be non-compliant with existing rules on fund releases under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (P145.56 million), excess emergency subsidy under the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (P34.63 million), and duplicate beneficiaries of Livelihood Assistance Grants (P1.58 million).
