The Commission on Audit’s (COA) recent decision upholding the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) disallowance of PHP73 million in confidential funds for 2022 reinforces continued push for accountability in government spending, Malacañang said on Friday.
In a press briefing in Iloilo City, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the COA ruling effectively rejects the OVP’s claims that the funds were properly and transparently utilized.
“Nagpapatunay lang po ito na yung unmodified opinion, kung saan sinasabi nilang transparent at naayos at nagamit ng mabuti ang pondo, ito po ay pinasisinungalingan ng COA sa very recent decision nila (This only proves that the unmodified opinion—where they claim the funds were transparent, properly managed and well-used — is contradicted by COA in its very recent decision),” she said.
Castro said the administration supports swift action from oversight institutions to ensure that irregularities are addressed promptly.
She said findings of disallowance are important indicators that warrant further action, when necessary.
“Even before naman po, uulitin po natin, ang nais ng Pangulo talaga ay malinis ang gobyernong ito mula sa korapsyon (As we have said before, the President truly wants a government that is free from corruption),” Castro said.
She said agencies such as COA and the Anti-Money Laundering Council play an important role in strengthening financial accountability in government.
“‘Yun din naman po ang gusto ng gobyerno – kung sino po yung may sala, dapat ang COA ay mabilis kumilos. Hindi lang po ang COA, pati po ang AMLC, mabilis kumilos (That is also what the government wants — whoever is at fault, COA should act swiftly. Not only COA, but also the AMLC should act quickly),” she said.
The COA has issued a notice of disallowance for the OVP regarding PHP73.287 million in confidential expenses from Dec. 21 to 31, 2022.
The disallowance includes PHP69.787 million for rewards and PHP3.5 million for the purchase of equipment such as tables, chairs, desktops, computers and printers.
The COA’s decision requires the OVP to return the disallowed funds to the government. (PNA)