ERC execs, employees ordered to return laptops

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered officials and employees of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to return the extra laptops, mobile phones or tablets they received in 2013.

In a report released yesterday, state auditors said 27 ERC officers and employees were each provided with more than one unit of laptop or notebook computer, while two officials got two iPad units each.

Five drivers were also issued mobile phones worth P8,400 even though they are not entitled to such privilege.

“These are cases of excessive and unnecessary expenditures prohibited under COA Circular 2012-003,” state auditors said, citing the guidelines for the prevention and disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, extravagant and unconscionable expenditures by government offices.

The COA report said excessive expenditures are defined as “unreasonable expenses or expenses incurred at an immoderate quantity and exorbitant price, exceeded what is usual or proper, unreasonably high and beyond just measure or amount and in excess of reasonable limits.”

Unnecessary expenditures are those not supportive of the objectives and mission of the agency, not essential or can be dispensed with without loss or damage to property.

The COA report said the ERC issued up to four units of laptop or notebook computers to some employees.

Two employees were also provided with two iPad units each, consisting of one standard and a mini model.

The audit team said such number of equipment with similar functions issued to an individual is excessive and beyond reason, adding that similar equipment issued to them in previous years are still functional.

The head of the Management Information System Division approved purchase requests for iPads and laptops without checking if those previously issued were still functional, state auditors said.

The COA report said mobile phones should not also be issued to drivers as such provision should be limited to officials with rank not lower than division chief.

The ERC management said purchase of electronic gadgets is necessary to allow the agency to adapt to work styles given the rapid evolution of technology.

ERC officials also defended the purchase of mobile phones for drivers, saying they have to communicate with them the fastest and most economical way.

COA auditors, however, stressed that excessive units of equipment with similar function are in not in keeping with economy measures in government spending.

They said excess units should be issued to other employees.

All drivers were also directed to surrender or pay for the mobile phones issued to them.

The ERC was ordered to determine real need before purchasing additional equipment and observe prudence in the disbursement of government funds.