COA flags DILG for P363 million unspent funds

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for over P362.992 million of unspent funds meant to bankroll several local projects in 2022.

In its annual audit report on DILG, the COA noted that of the P2.180-billion fund allocated for the implementation of local projects, 83.35 percent or P1.817 billion was utilized or obligated as of Dec. 31, 2022 while 16.65 percent or P362.992 million remained unutilized or unobligated.

The COA said DILG reports showed the low utilization rate was due to the non-conduct of various activities such as orientations, workshops, training, audit of various local government units, data analysis and procurement of information, educational and communication materials.

The COA said the reports disclosed that this was because of the “top management’s decision to realign funds, delayed receipt of funds, ongoing consolidation of inputs from various stakeholders, and delayed procurement,” among others.

The audit body said the DILG’s failure to implement the projects also caused the reversion of the unexpended allotments to the “Un-appropriated Surplus” of the national government.

The COA recommended to the DILG to properly plan its programs, projects and activities for each year to fast-track their implementation and ensure attainment of the goals and objectives of the agency.