Favorable decision eyed in appeal to COA policy

Cebu - Now that the Sinulog activities are over, Cebu City acting mayor Michael Rama is set to focus on getting a positive result from the Commission on Audit, which earlier prohibits the city from giving financial assistance to non-government organizations with elected officials sitting as officers.

Rama, in yesterday’s press conference, said that after taking a breather, he will “try his best and focus on COA to grant not just a one-time exemption but a decision that will be favorable.”

“This is not only for the Sinulog Foundation, but for other NGOs in Cebu City, and the other local government units in the country which are affected,” Rama said.

Last year, COA called the attention of the city government for the strict implementation of COA Circular 2007-001 which prohibits any LGU from giving aid to any NGO whose incorporator, director, organizer, or officer is related to any local official involved in the approval or release of government funds.

Rama is a chairman of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc.

Said circular also affected the Cebu Investment Promotion Center, Cebu City Task Force on Street Children, Cebu Pistol and Rifle Association, and the Cebu City Dancesport Team.

There are city officials who are either officers of these groups or are related to their officers.

Late last year, Rama along with Councilor Edgardo Labella and city administrator Francisco Fernandez went to the office of COA in Manila to defend and suggest amendments to the circular.

“COA will hopefully resolve this the soonest,” Rama said. – Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)