PCOO denies inaction on COA advice

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) yesterday denied that it did not act on the state auditor’s recommendation to file cases against officials tagged in the allegedly anomalous disbursements related to the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2017.

In a report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the PCOO has yet to identify and file charges against officials involved in the unlawful release of P38.8 million for expenses related to the ASEAN summit.

The disbursement of funds, which were used to rent equipment and vehicles and to procure several goods and services, had violated the Government Procurement Reform, the state auditor said.

Among the issues raised by COA are the splitting of contracts to skirt public bidding and circumvent spending limits, the awarding of eight purchase orders to a single contractor and the alleged failure to conduct a post-qualification evaluation.

PCOO Undersecretary Marvin Gatpayat said his agency filed a case against an official for gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service last September.

“The administrative case is now being heard before the adjudication committee of the PCOO,” Gatpayat said in a statement.

The PCOO also submitted its fact-finding report on several former officials to the Office of the Ombudsman last November, according to Gatpayat. He added that the agency also submitted an action plan and status report to COA last Monday.

“The PCOO will never tolerate any irregular actions of its officers and employees. The PCOO is one with the Commission on Audit in ensuring that government funds are properly utilized,” Gatpayat said.