Cebu City accountant defends P1M cash aid for judges

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City accounting office defended the P1 million financial aid that the city government has granted to the judges after the Commission on Audit found it unnecessary.

City accountant Arlene Rentuza said it was not a waste of money because the city did not fail in its obligation to deliver the basic services.

“One million pesos is just one million pesos, the city can afford that. Wala man sad naka-affect sa atong delivery of basic services since nagpadyon pa man gihapon ang Cebu City,” Rentuza said.

She believes that the aid only becomes questionable if the city has neglected its other duties and obligations.

The city government in December 2009 entered into an agreement with the Supreme Court after Cebu provincial government threatened to stop giving allowances to the judges.

Some P1 million was placed under the Local Government Unit – Judiciary Equalization Fund (JEF) which will be administered by the Supreme Court as per the rules in the memorandum of agreement.

The MOA states that the city will be depositing P1 million per year to the LGU-JEF.

“It’s not a waste of money if it is prudently managed or administered. COA better ask the Supreme Court how are they using it. In our part, before we granted it, it underwent a procedure,” Rentuza said.

The financial aid also passed through the city council’s approval before it was released to the Supreme Court. Rentuza said COA was already aware of it. In fact, she submitted all the documents of the transactions for pre-audit.

COA found the financial assistance to judges as unnecessary because it is already a duplication of the allowance that the city government is giving to the judges assigned in Cebu City.

COA said that it is contrary to section 3.2 of COA Circular No. 85-55-A.

Rentuza said that the Mayor has already issued a memorandum directing the city attorney to comment on the matter in the soonest possible time.

The Mayor wants to check the legality of withdrawing from the MOA. (FREEMAN)