COA secures docs for reimbursement

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit has already started gathering the necessary documents to be used as basis for the issuance of a notice of disallowance for the P87 million spent as calamity assistance to Cebu City employees.

By sending a notice of disallowance, those who received the P20,000 calamity assistance shall be required to reimburse the government of the amount COA considered as highly irregular.

A reliable source from the City Hall’s Treasurer’s Office and Accounting Department informed The FREEMAN that there were some state auditors who went to their offices to secure the needed documents including payrolls as well as copies of the approved budget ordinance and resolution from the City Council.

Records show that Mayor Michael Rama endorsed to the City Council for approval the granting of the calamity financial assistance, claiming that the 4,200 employees of City Hall have been badly affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and by typhoon Yolanda last year.

As further shown, it was Councilor Sisinio Andales who made a gesture to increase the P15,000 aid initially suggested to P20,000 if the city has the funds.

Andales’ suggestion was carried by the City Council although Councilors Margarita “Margot” Osmeña and Lea Japson opted not to receive their share, saying they would be ashamed to do so.

COA also secured newspaper clippings about the granting of the financial assistance with the mayor quoted as saying that he spent his P20,000 share in paying his water and electricity bills.

Some of the employees have expressed worry after learning COA’s plan to disallow the amount and require them to reimburse it.

Once the state auditors finish the gathering of the necessary documents, the notice of disallowance will be sent to the mayor’s office for the latter to implement it.

For employees who will not reimburse the fund, the amount will be deducted from their salary once they retire from the service and claim their benefits.

The irregular granting of the calamity assistance to the City Hall employees prompted lawyer Reymelio Delute, a supporter of the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan, to file an administrative case for grave abuse of authority against Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 11 city councilors before the Office of the President. — (FREEMAN)