Capitol spent for fuel for private vehicles?

CEBU, Philippines - Did the provincial government spend for fuel for private vehicles?

In its 2013 report, the Commission on Audit noted that Capitol has spent for fuel for seven vehicles not included in its inventory.

“Further, 10,991 liters of fuel were allocated to 7 vehicles that were not included in the inventory of vehicles owned by the Provincial Government giving the impression that these were private vehicles allocated with fuel at the expense and to the prejudice of the government,” the report reads.

COA said trip tickets were wanting for proper evaluation to determine whether or not the P6,911,159.22 Capitol spent for fuel as of June 30, 2013 was indeed for the vehicles the province maintains and if it has been in line with the government’s concern and efforts to ensure the effective conservation of energy and proper utilization of government motor transportation.

A review of the Programmed Appropriation and Obligation for Gasoline (Fuel) and Lubricants for calendar years 2012 and 2013 revealed that the province spent a total of P19,600,000 and P16,527,250, respectively.

ing, including Name of Authorized Passenger, Place(s) to be visited/inspected, the purpose(s) of travel, the approximate distance traveled (to and from), gasoline issued, purchased, consumed and balance at the end of the trip.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale was acting governor during this period after then governor and now Third District Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia was suspended for six months starting on December 17, 2012.

COA said failure of the drivers to accomplish the forms properly resulted to the audit team’s inability to determine whether the gasoline and fuel consumed were justifiable.

“It gives the impression that gasoline consumption was not properly controlled and was wasteful, excessive and unnecessary especially when the issuance was frequently full tank regardless of the distance travelled whether within the Cebu City limits or the far flung municipalities,” the report reads.

The audit team also noted that Monthly Reports of Fuel Consumption were not prepared nor submitted to the Auditor’s Office.

“What were submitted instead were the Summary of Monthly Report of Issuances of Supplies and Materials and Requisition and Issue Slips,” COA said.

COA asked that the province submit a monthly report with proper documentary support, including accomplished Driver’s Trip Tickets and Requisition and Issue Slips.

It also recommended that the province refrain from providing fuel for privately-owned vehicles.

“We recommend that if it is confirmed that the seven motor vehicles are privately-owned, management require the owners of the vehicles and/or the persons responsible for providing fuel to these vehicles to pay the government the equivalent value of the fuel cost,” COA said.

In reply to the Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM), the Provincial Legal Office said the province will comply with COA’s recommendations by providing the necessary documents. The matter has also been referred to the Provincial General Services Office. —/JMO (FREEMAN)