P1M aid to Comelec ‘illegal’

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit has found it illegal for the City of Naga to extend P1 million financial assistance to the Commission on Elections during the 2013 national, local, and barangay elections.

 State auditors said it is contrary to the provision of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

 Section 10 of the Code provides that, except in barangay elections, such expenses as may be necessary and reasonable in connection with the elections, referenda, plebiscites, and other similar exercises shall be paid for by the Commission.

 The Comelec may direct that in the provinces, cities or municipalities, the election expenses chargeable to the Commission be advanced by the province, city or municipality concerned subject to reimbursement by the Commission upon presentation of the proper bill.

 Funds needed by the Commission to defray the expenses for the holding of regular and special elections, referenda, and plebiscites shall be provided in the regular appropriations of the Commission which, upon request, shall immediately be released to the Comelec.

 “Election expenses could not be considered necessary since it may give the impression of affecting the independence of the Commission,” COA stated in its 2013 audit report.

Moreover, it said there was no actual transfer of the funds from the City of Naga to the Comelec regional office since its bank accounts and books of accounts are kept at the central office.

 As had been the practice, the city government made the disbursements on election-related expenses.

 The City of Naga gave P1,082,131.62 assistance to the Comelec. Of the total amount, P604,519.59 was spent during the national and local elections while the rest was disbursed during the barangay elections.

The city government explained that the overtime pay was given to compensate or recognize the services of the personnel involved especially because they were working under abnormal circumstances during the last national, local, and barangay elections to the point of even working up to the wee hours of dawn.

 However, COA said in view of its observation, the city deems it proper to bill the Comelec first and seek refund of the amount involved.

It was also found out that during the year, the city procured several meals and snacks which were served during the national, local, and barangay elections.

 “Moreover, except for the resolution by the City Council, no other legal basis supported the disbursements,” it said.

 COA asked the City of Naga to limit its assistance to Comelec to only supplies and materials that are directly used in the conduct of elections.

It said that meals are unnecessary in as much as the Board of Election Inspectors receive sufficient allowances during elections.

 It also recommended that all financial assistance for office supplies be remitted to the Comelec central office subject to liquidation by its regional office.

 In addition, COA recommended the city government should refrain from allocating funds for elections expenses unless there is a Comelec directive or a valid agreement between the two parties. (FREEMAN)