COA questions John-John Osmeña’s yacht expense

CEBU — Vice Gov. John Gregory Osmeña has found himself embroiled in another controversy even before questions on his financial aid to a foundation have died down.

This time, the Commission on Audit (COA), in an audit observation memorandum issued last Jan. 26, said Osmeña allegedly violated COA Circular 96-004 when he leased a yacht to take him to Poro, Camotes on Jan. 17 last year and charged the amount of P9,000 to the provincial government.

State auditor Nancy Aparri, the COA team leader in the province, signed the memorandum.

The COA circular stated that "the amount of transportation expenses allowable shall be the actual rates from the permanent official station to the destination... plus other incidental expenses..."

Based on this, Osmeña ought to have charged far less as the fastcraft service to Poro cost only P220 one-way.

Seizing on the opportunity to twit Osmeña, who is running for governor against his daughter Gwendolyn, last-term Gov. Pablo Garcia said he never issued a certification to justify the necessity of the expenses incurred by the vice governor in his trip to Poro.

The same COA circular requires a certification from the agency’s head on the absolute necessity of the expenses incurred in the performance of an assignment by a subordinate.

According to Garcia, Osmeña took a yacht to Poro for no other reason than to attend the coronation of the town queen during the fiesta celebration.

Aparri said the P9,000 charged for the lease of a yacht is an "extravagant expense" that is prohibited in another circular, 85-55A.

Based on its findings, the COA has asked Osmeña, along with provincial accountant Marieto Ypil, provincial treasurer Roy Salubre and provincial administrator Francisco Japson, to reply to its audit observations in 10 days. — Freeman News Service