No frills, no dubious deals as Cabatuan passes govt audit
Mayor Ramon Yee
The Municipality of Cabatuan stands thus far as amongst Iloilo towns with seemingly negligible findings in an audit conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA).
With total income for the past year pegged at nearly P46 million, the figure stands to be 14.18% higher than the targeted collections of P40 million. And although local income and business income decreased by about P1 million altogether, government auditors validated the 4.38% increase courtesy of permits and licenses, service income and some P2.9 million in other income.
As such, the audit team recognized the accelerated social and economic development in said town with projects realized placed at over P4 million in the previous year.
Further findings saw none of multi-million in questioned government expense or hundreds of thousands in irregular and illegal transactions. What the COA team discovered were 'minimal' concerns.
For instance, attention of Mayor Ramon Yee was called on the town's 11 service vehicles that have defective odometer and speedometer. While at it, COA wants Cabatuan to have those kept in "adequate garage."
The Municipal Accountant was also reminded to prepare and submit regular monthly bank statements "to attain a timely financial reporting."
The COA also wanted an end of the travel expenses of teachers and education personnel charged to the town's Special Education Fund. However, government auditors did not state the total amount utilized other than recommending that the Local School Board prioritize expenses within the limits and priorities set by law.
Most 'serious' of the COA findings was the procurement and custody of semi-expendable supplies delegated to only one personnel contrary to law. However, no specifics were provided in terms of amount involved.
"Delegation of authority to only one personnel to perform various functions could possibly lead to commission of irregularities which would cause losses, errors or wastage in the operation of the municipality. The absence of an effective internal control system could result in poor management and of no value in the program of development," COA stated.
To note, only three audit recommendations were made by the Commission in the previous year's audit where to date, two were partially implemented and one fully implemented.
"There is a reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatements and were prepared in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and in conformity with generally accepted state accounting principles," COA Team Leader, Ana Rose Cynthia Lebrilla wrote.