CEBU, Philippines — Citing lack of accountability and possible abuses, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the Capitol is no longer extending financial assistance directly to accredited non-government organizations and civil society groups.
Garcia said some NGOs and CSOs only applied for accreditation to secure funds from the provincial government. The governor noted that a cooperative engaged in manpower services with P10-million capitalization was allegedly granted accreditation and applied for financial assistance.
She explained that granting financial assistance to accredited NGOs and CSOs is prone to abuse because funds given to them are not subject to audit by the Commission on Audit. Garcia likened giving financial assistance to NGOs and CSOs to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional.
“Naa ba nay accountability? Wala baya nay COA,” Garcia said.
According to the governor, some NGOs and CSOs recommended by other government agencies were granted assistance in the past to implement a specific project but failed to show results.
If necessary, financial assistance to NGOs and CSOs will be downloaded through the local government units or to the barangay to ensure accountability.
“Kung kinahanglanon we will download it to the barangay or local government units kay at least kani gi-audit sa COA. Dunay klarong accountability, ” Garcia said.
The Capitol has at least 160 accredited CSOs and people’s organizations. Banat News, FPL (FREEMAN)