New governor: Laguna P1 billion in debts

MANILA, Philippines — Laguna province has incurred a debt of P1 billion apparently due to unliquidated advances as indicated in a report by the  Commission on Audit (COA), the replacement of disqualified Governor ER Ejercito said.

New Governor Ramil Hernandez said he is investigating whether the funds went to worthy projects under Ejercito's watch.

"Walang masamang mangutang, kahit sa local government, walang masamang mangutang pero dapat yung inutang mo, inilagay mo sa maganda," Hernandez said in an interview on ANC on Wednesday.

"Titingnan po namin, kunwari overspending, na-copy furnish po ako ng COA so maraming unliquidated dun talaga, maraming unexplained use of fund," he added.

Hernandez said this was among the issues he looked into right after he assumed office following the Commission on Election's decision to oust Ejercito. The former governor was found guilty of overspending for the May 2013 elections.

In its 2012 audit report on Laguna, COA cited deficiencies in the balances of inventories, land, property, plant and equipment accounts of the capitol.

State auditors also doubted whether the hiring of consultants amounting to P7.3 million is valid, while Priority Development Assistance Funds of more than P35.8 million directed to Laguna was unutilized during the audit period.

Hernandez said, however, that he does not want to malign Ejercito, who accused him of colluding with Liberal Party member and political rival Edgar San Luis in filing the overspending case before the poll body.

"Hindi ako [from the] Liberal [Party]. Actually ang kalaban ko noong eleksyon is the provincial chairman of Liberal Party. [My assuming Ejercito's seat] is non political," Hernandez said.

He also admitted that he ordered Ejercito's photos and banners removed from the capitol and around the province "to avoid confusion."

"Dapat ang chain of command dapat manggaling sa akin as governor. Kapag na confused ang employees, 'pag na confuse ang mga tao, makakaapekto 'yon sa trabaho. So to avoid confusion kailangan makita nila na yung in-appoint talaga ng law, yun ang naga-assume," Hernandez said.

Hernandez also said he will welcome Ejercito's offer to assist in ongoing projects being implemented by the local government. - Camille Diola