Davide: Capitol not “debt-free”

CEBU, Philippines - Contrary to what had been claimed by his predecessor, Cebu Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide, III yesterday said that the provincial government is not debt-free and is even short in funding.

Davide said that the province of Cebu has a lot of payables and is far from the zero-debt situation that former governor and now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia had been claiming before the media.

The governor however said that Garcia may have meant debt-free in financial institutions.

“Klaro kaayo apiki ta sa pundo (It is very clear, we lack the funds),” said Davide.

At present, the province has more than P791 million in available funds, based on the report of Garcia last Friday, said Davide.

But payables of the provincial government is at P788 million which will be taken from the general funds. Currently, the capitol’s general funds is at P351 million.

“But clearly nga dunay payables, that is an obligation that you have to pay, so utang kana,” Davide said.

The province still has collectibles though from unliquidated cash advances of officials and employees of the capitol.

Last month, then acting governor Agnes Magpale assured the Commission on Audit (COA) that they have sent the second round of demand letters to the Capitol officials and employees who still have unliquidated cash advances for the year 2012.

It was then P11.5 million which already lessened from last year which was at P43 million.

Davide said he hopes the officials and employees would voluntarily attend to their accountable so it won’t reach the court.

The COA has recommended that the office of the Ombudsman be furnished with the demand letters that will be sent to the said officials and employees. The commission also recommended that if the said officials and employees would not heed the second demand letters, an administrative case may follow.

Further, Davide said he still ordered for the review of the transactions of the provincial government to determine those that do not have vouchers and supporting documents.

Davide acknowledged that there are a lot and said they are cautious in releasing payments.

“Magkaproblem nya ta sa COA ana (We may have problems with COA later on),” said Davide, adding that these unsettled bills would definitely not be paid if unsupported by contracts and other documents.—/FPL (FREEMAN)