COA to MMDA: Explain boats for Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the use of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) funds to purchase fishing boats for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Samar last year. 

State auditors, in a 2014 report released over the weekend, said the agency’s management should “explain the use of (MMDA) funds/resources for activities outside its responsibilities” under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP).

The COA report said the MMDA used its financial resources to do something that another agency was tasked to carry out.

Records show that the MMDA spent P891,000 to extend livelihood assistance through the distribution and donation of fishing boats to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in July and December last year.

While the MMDA’s intention might be good, the COA report said Republic Act 10121 – the disaster management law – specifies the tasks of each and every implementing agency under the NDRRMP.

State auditors said the MMDA is supposed to act only with regards to “disaster response” and not “rehabilitation and recovery,” for which the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is the overall responsible agency.

The COA report said 20 pump boats bought by the agency were reportedly distributed on July 11, 2014 while the 10 motorized fishing boats purchased were turned over on Dec. 27, 2014, all to the municipality of Sulat, Easter Samar.

The COA said the MMDA’s provision of livelihood assistance was made eight months to a year after Typhoon Yolanda hit the country in November 2013, “hence, could not be considered as early recovery as contemplated in RA 10121 and the NDRRMP.” 

‘Disaster knows no boundary’

Commenting on the findings, the MMDA said it deemed it proper to extend assistance to those affected by disaster outside Metro Manila. 

“Disaster knows no boundary. Human nature dictates that we extend assistance for the victims of calamities and disasters for them to recover from their grief,” officials told COA, adding that the agency is authorized to extend assistance outside Metro Manila in times of calamities and disasters.

“Regardless of scope and territories, our innate call of aiding the needing should be our priority,” the MMDA said.

State auditors said if the MMDA “deemed it necessary to extend help to typhoon victims for their recovery, it can still do so by coordinating with the proper government agency tasked with rehabilitation and recovery.”

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino was reported to be considering running for the Senate. He hosted a lunch for the agency’s street sweepers on Monday, telling them he only has days left with the MMDA.