Mandaue worker suspended from work

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has ordered the suspension of a Mandaue City Hall employee for one month and one day without pay for failure to liquidate his outstanding cash advances on time.

Graft investigator Cynthia Maturan-Sibi found Bookkeeper I of Realty Tax Division of City Treasurer's Office Jim Balansag guilty of misconduct.

"While he advanced reasons explaining the long delay in liquidating the subject cash advances, the simple fact remains that he was not able to liquidate the amount within the period provided for by the law and the rules," decision reads.

In the joint-affidavit, State Auditor IV Carolina Mendez and State Auditor I Jenny Dayola stated that Balansag had outstanding cash advances in the amount of P180,000.

State auditors said they sent a demand letter to Balansag attaching the Statement of Cash Advances and Liquidations to settle his accountabilities within 30 days from receipt but respondent failed.

In the counter-affidavit of respondent he said on April 28, 2004 he was requested to make a cash advance in the amount of P180,000 for the development and planting of ornamental plants in the 2nd Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, Mini-park, Mandaue City.

Respondent said the money was intended for the beautification of the 2nd Mandaue-Mactan Bridge wherein it was landscaped and planted with ornamental plants.

"On December 2004, as much as I wanted to liquidate the previously mentioned cash advance, my hands were tied because I was not part of the committee who handled the beautification project," Balansag said.

He said it was the City Tourism Office and Clean and Green Committee that knew the specific expenses and the corresponding receipts.

Balansag said he was able to liquidate the outstanding cash advances on November 21, 2006.

However, graft investigator Sibi cited Presidential Decree 1445 otherwise known as Government Auditing Code of the Philippines Section 89-limitation on cash advances that states "cash advances shall be reported on and liquidated as soon as the purpose for which it was given shall have been served."

Sibi added when respondent was able to submit his liquidation report, the COA has already filed the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman.