COA voids fertilizer purchase

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The Commission on Audit had issued a notice of disallowance on the P299,000 fund used in the procurement of fertilizer in 2013 by Office of the Provincial Agriculturist head Igmedio Tabianan.

COA’s notice signed by supervising auditor Arnel Jaranilla on July 21, 2014 and a copy of which obtained by the Capitol media on Wednesday, stated that the amount was disallowed in audit because Tabianan failed to submit certain requirements within 90 days after he received the notice of suspension.

“A suspension should be settled within 90 days from its receipt, otherwise the transaction covered by it shall be disallowed/charged after the auditor shall have satisfied himself that such action is appropriate,” COA said.

According to the COA, Tabianan claimed the reimbursement despite the absence of a contract or purchase order entered into by the province and the supplier.

Tabianan also failed to submit the purchase order on the transaction for legal and technical review, as required by Section 117 of the Manual of the New Government Accounting System for Local Government Units, said COA.

COA further said Tabianan failed to submit the bids and awards committee resolution recommending the mode of procurement, as well as the contract for such purchase between the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture-Region 6, as required by law.

There was no list of recipients of the purchased fertilizer, and that “the payment for the fertilizer was made before the purchase request was properly accomplished, thus showing irregularity in the transaction,” COA added.

COA then directed Tabianan “to settle immediately the disallowance, which if not appealed within six months from its receipt, “shall become final and executory.”

Tabianan, for his part, said he already submitted the needed documents, though it was delayed because the beneficiaries were from Barangay Camalandaan of Cauayan town. There were 50 farmers who benefitted from the project, he said, adding that he will welcome any sanction that will be slapped against him.

In a related development, Provincial Administrator Enrique Pinongan said Tabianan has to settle this matter, of which he is accountable.

Pinongan said Tabianan will be required to pay the whole amount or it will be deducted from his retirement or separation pay from government service.  (FREEMAN)