COA to Consolacion - Show proof of receipt for P80 million COVID-19 aid

CEBU, Philippines —  The Commission on Audit (COA) has asked Consolacion town in Cebu to submit proof that eligible beneficiaries received the COVID-19 relief assistance worth P80.8 million.

In its audit report, COA noted that distribution of rice, goods, medical supplies and other items as relief assistance in response to COVID-19 pandemic from April to September 2020 cannot be validated due to the absence of proof of receipt by the beneficiaries.

Verification of the transaction disclosed that the municipal government procured rice, goods, personal protective equipment and medical supplies for distribution totaling P80.8 million as relief assistance to different barangays, frontliners, municipal employees and households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COA said that the list of recipients and beneficiaries was not among the supporting documents submitted to the audit team.

“In the absence of the list of beneficiaries, the validation on whether the relief assistance was actually distributed to the intended recipients could not (be) made by the audit team,” read the audit report.

COA has recommended that concerned offices submit the proof of receipt for the relief aid.

The local government unit reportedly has already submitted the said proof of receipt as well as the monthly reports on summary of supplies and materials issued (RSMI), and requisition and issue slip (RIS) of the goods and the list of the number of recipients per barangays on their distribution for food packs.

The LGU said the remaining relief and essential goods had been distributed also to the persons under monitoring (PUMs) and it has also submitted the list of PUMs and their food distribution to them.

COA said the submitted documents by the LGU are still subject for review.

Meanwhile, COA also noted that the procurement of several medical supplies and equipment through emergency procurement under the Bayanihan Act were purchased at a higher price and with an excess of P382,225 when compared with the price freeze rates on essential emergency medicines and devices issued by the Department of Health.

The LGU has already submitted a written justification and explanation to COA.

It also has submitted price quotations from three suppliers indicating the brand name and specifications thereby showing that these purchases underwent market scanning and market study. — KQD (FREEMAN)