COA: Grant of financial aid to Muslim indigents irregular

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) has uncovered possible irregularities in the grant of financial assistance to indigent Muslims by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in 2014.

State auditors, in a report released recently, said government funds worth more than P1.645 million were given to private individuals and foundations not qualified as recipients of the financial aid.

The COA report said the grant of financial assistance was done without clear provisions on the existing guidelines that would identify who should be given help.

State auditors acknowledged that among the mandates of the NCMF is to grant financial help to indigent Muslims, rebel returnees and groups or organizations.

But an audit of NCMF 2014 disbursements showed these were not supported by certified vouchers and supporting documentary requirements and list of recipients.

“A review showed that the guidelines issued for the grant of these financial assistance did not provide a minimum or maximum amount to be given to each grantee and the criteria for selection of qualified applicants, thus the legitimacy of the grant could not be assured,” state auditors said.