DILG orders audit of barangay properties, records

MANILA, Philippines — All city and municipal mayors have been directed to create audit and transition teams not later than Feb. 28 to conduct an inventory of government properties and financial records of each barangay.

“The list of…barangay officials who fail to turn over properties, financial records, documents and money accountabilities will be submitted by the city or municipal audit and transition teams to their mayor, the Office of the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit and Department of the Interior and Local Governemnt (DILG),” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Año said the audit and transition teams should be chaired by the city or municipal accountant with accounting office staff, DILG director or local government operations officers, Liga ng mga Barangay chapter president and representatives of faith-based organizations as members.

Año said the teams would supervise barangay inventory teams in their respective areas.

He said the audit would also ensure smooth and systematic transition of power when new barangay officials assume office on June 30.

“This is also part of our efforts to sustain transparent and accountable local governance at the barangay level and ensure that barangay officials exercise due diligence in using barangay funds and properties,” Año said.