COA finds ‘deficiencies’ in NTF-ELCAC projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has found several “deficiencies” in the implementation of programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of the six member agencies of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in 2020.

In its consolidated “Annual Financial Report” for national government-agencies, the COA said “incomplete documentation, low fund utilization and unutilized funds, unauthorized fund transfers and lack of guidelines on the use of funds” were observed in the implementation of various PPAs of the task force’s member-agencies.

It said the adverse findings “cast doubt” on the efficient use of public funds by NTF-ELCAC agencies – the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The audit body said the DILG, in particular, failed to utilize P8.735 million intended for activities under “strengthened communication strategies, capacity development and alliance-building with all sectors for local peace and development.”

The COA said that because of the department’s low budget utilization, the expected communication output, which included audio-visual presentation on “ELCAC in times of COVID-19” as well as localization of various information, education and communication materials, were not carried out or attained during the year.

It directed the DILG to submit an explanation stating the reasons for the unimplemented PPAs.

The DSWD, meanwhile, was called out over the disbursement of P5.32 million for supposed assistance to 330 rebel returnees without valid supporting documents.

The COA said the DSWD’s regional Field Office 13 (CARAGA) had disbursed P1.28 million under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and P4.04 million under the Livelihood Settlement Grants or a total of P5.32 million for assistance to former rebels who surrendered to the government.

The payments were made despite inappropriate or lack of supporting documents, “thereby casting doubt on the propriety and validity of the transactions,” the COA said.

A total of P1.064 million, meanwhile, was spent by the NCIP Regional Office 13 for meals and accommodations during the NTF-ELCAC Regional Action Planning Workshop despite incomplete documentation.

“Moreover, the procurement was not done through a competitive public bidding inconsistent with Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act),” the COA said.

The OPAPP, meanwhile was called out over its failure to submit to state auditors the disbursement vouchers amounting to P1.36 million and their corresponding supporting documents in connection with its anti-communism-related expenditures.

On the other hand, the PNP was flagged over poor utilization of anti-communism funds for 2020 amounting to P722.955 million.

COA noted that of the total fund, the PNP was only able to obligate P240.803 million as of yearend, leaving a balance of P482.152 million.

The COA specifically cited the PNP Regional Office 5 (Bicol) for procurement of P6.667 million worth of goods using ELCAC funds, without proof of posting the necessary supporting documents on the websites of the PRO 5 and the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, in violation of RA 9184.

Among the lacking documents, according to COA, were the request for price quotations, notice of award, contract or purchase order and notice to proceed.

Lastly, the COA said transfers of ELCAC funds totaling P160.083 million by the TESDA Central Office to its regional offices were “highly questionable for lack of proper authority/legal basis and the absence of appropriate guidelines as to how these funds shall be utilized, likewise exposing these funds to possible misuse or misappropriation.”

The NTF-ELCAC received P1.7-billion budget in 2020, which was increased to P19.2 billion in 2021.

The bicameral conference committee of Congress has recently agreed to give a P17.1-billion budget to the anti-communist task force for 2022.