Philsoc, NSAs given 30 days to settle debts

The Commission on Audit gave the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc) and national sports associations 30 days to liquidate their cash advances or face criminal charges.

Mario Lipana, the COA auditor assigned to the Philippine Sports Commission, sent the formal notice yesterday directing all concerned parties to comply or they would be forced to form a commission to investigate and file appropriate charges before the Ombudsman.

“Starting today (yesterday), they have only 30 days to settle their previous cash advances,” Lipana said.

“And if they would not comply, we have no choice but to elevate the matter to the COA head office, which will file criminal charges before the Ombudsman,” he added. “It’s just a reminder, we’re still giving them 30 days anyway.”

PSC chair Butch Ramirez actually reminded the Philsoc and the NSAs of their obligation late last year when COA called the attention of the sports agency regarding funds that were still unaccounted for up to this time.

The Philsoc was being asked to account for P74 million of the P300 million it received from the government in staging the 2005 Manila SEA Games.

Some NSAs have also to liquidate cash advances amounting to P102 million.

Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee spokesperson Joey Romasanta said it would be better for the COA to initiate discussions between the PSC and NSAs and come up with a possible resolution.

“A solution has to be made,” said Romasanta.

POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., in fact, has suggested the possibility of seeking government amnesty to prevent the PSC from implementing its “no liquidation, no financial assistance” policy. – Joey Villar