TRC told to account for P70.5 M in DAP funds

MANILA, Philippines - The Technology Resource Center (TRC), a government-owned and controlled corporation abolished after being dragged into the pork barrel fund scam, has been ordered to account for some P70.55 million in disbursement acceleration program (DAP) funds allegedly given to non-government organizations.

In a 2014 report released recently, the Commission on Audit (COA) said notices of disallowance (NDs) have been issued for the non-submission of liquidation reports and/or deficiencies in the grant of DAP funds to various groups in 2011 and 2012.

Records show the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and a Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) dated Dec. 22, 2011 to TRC amounting to P336 million for livelihood training and development programs as part of the 2011 DAP.  

The SARO provides that the allotment shall be valid for obligation until Dec. 31, 2012 while the validity of the NCA shall be until Dec. 31, 2011.

The audit team said the NGO or recipient of the funds should submit the final fund utilization or liquidation report together with the inspection report and certification of project completion rendered, and list of beneficiaries with their acceptance and/or acknowledgment within 60 days after completion of the project.