Town ‘illegally’ gave P2.7M aid to barangays – COA

CEBU, Philippines - The municipality of Dumanjug granted P2.7-million assistance to barangay socio-cultural projects without the approval of the town council, making it illegal, the Commission on Audit said.

COA, in its report of Dumanjug’s financial operations last year, directed the town officials to submit approved council resolutions to barangay projects, especially those implemented under the Aid to Barangay or Financial Assistance to Barangay Socio Cultural Activity.

COA noted that the town approved a P925,000 budget for barangay projects and socio-cultural activities. Although the budget was included in that year’s Appropriation Ordinance, it still requires the council’s approval as provided in the Local Government Code’s Section 22 (c), COA said.

“Unless provided in this code, no contract may be entered into by the local chief executive in behalf of the local government unit without prior authorization by the Sanggunian concerned,” COA said, quoting the said law.

Based on the records submitted by Dumanjug for COA’s review, the town granted financial aid to barangays Kambanog (P200,000), Manlapay (P300,000 in two tranches) and Pawa (P150,000).

The town also gave P300,000 each to barangays Paculob, Bitoon and Calaboon for their road rehabilitation projects.

These were just among the other financial assistance to the barangays totaling to P1,030,000, which COA noted had no attached council resolutions.

For socio-cultural activities, Dumanjug gave P25,000 each to 18 barangays, including Liong, Poblacion, Kabalasnan, which totals to P555,000.

According to COA, only a barangay resolution from the respective barangays asking for financial assistance was attached to the fund release.

The audit body further said the town officials have reportedly promised to “strictly observe” COA’s recommendations and to be specific in the appropriation of funds for projects/programs. — (FREEMAN)