A 'yummy' look into the Capitol's food expense
Foreign dignitaries who graced last year's celebration of the Liberation of Panay were treated to distinct Ilonggo hospitality. From the representatives of the British and American Embassies, to the officials of the consulates of New Zealand and Australia, national and local government officials, army soldiers and members of the Capitol press hobnobbed in a testimonial dinner sponsored by the Iloilo Provincial Government.
On record, the celebration had local favorites 'Chicken Binakol' (chicken in lemon grass soup stock) for soup and a Grilled and Roast Station with choices ranging from Grilled Stuffed Squid, Chicken Inasal (barbecue), Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce, Grilled Assorted Fishes (Managat and Bulgan) and Lechon de Leche. For dessert, the Capitol had homemade ice cream with Ube and Mango flavors.
Then there was that 107th anniversary of the Independence Day where snacks and meals were served. There were also "Consultative Meetings" with constituents and dialogues.
Different occasions for different reasons yet in one single report made by government auditors, all carried the same adverse finding -- the accompanying documents as reflected in the vouchers, attendance sheets, purchase requests, purchase orders and utilization reports are questionable to say the least.
Sources told The News Today (TNT) the Commission on Audit (COA) is ready to issue Notices of Suspension and Notices of Disallowances on said food expenses amounting to over P3.3 million in six months alone.
For instance, Disbursement Voucher 100-05-02-1495 with Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy as claimant has attached attendance sheets that stated the names and offices/addresses of supposed constituents minus their signatures. One attendance sheet obtained by TNT showed 21 names however only one duly signed and acknowledged her presence. The second sheet as pointed out by the COA in its final audit report appeared to have been accomplished by one person with the entire piece of paper bearing 23 names, not a single one duly acknowledged by a signature.
Another Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy disbursement of P20,628.50 described as "consultative meeting with different constituents from different districts" had some 28 attendees, 13 of whom were members of the Capitol press corps.
Roger Gencianeo of Bombo Radyo was one of the signatories. Asked for clarification, Gencianeo expressed surprise on the over P20,000 Lapaz Batchoy one-time food expense. Such as he added that no such consultative meeting was called with his presence on record but instead he recalled eating a bowl of famous noodle soup in the regular press conference of Governor Niel Tupas.
Ariel Catubig, president of the Capitol Press Corps for his part was a signatory on an attendance sheet that justified payment of P62,000 for the testimonial dinner in March 2005.
Yes, he was there, Catubig acknowledged as he expressed interest as to why COA questioned the accompanying documents. Said voucher had a utilization report that put Governor Tupas as department head and Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada as Local Chief Executive.
To recall, COA in a post-audit disclosed what it said were deficiencies which were alike with the deficiencies noted in last year's audit.
"Cost of food ranging from P240 to P412.25 per person particularly during consultative meetings was more than necessary. Menu consisted of at least six to twelve courses of food servings. There were instances that menu were not specified in the supporting documents," excerpts of the COA report stated.
"Attendance sheets during conferences and consultative meetings were not properly monitored. There were instances wherein some participants signed the attendance sheet twice or thrice during the same day for the same occasion. Some signatures appeared to be signed by only one person with different stroke thus placing doubt on the authenticity of the handwriting. There was an instance wherein the date in the attendance sheet was different from the date when the celebration was conducted."
Government auditors further noted, "it appeared therefore that the Province of Iloilo had not minimized the expenses for food and catering services as recommended in last year's audit report."
Among the corresponding recommendation was for the Capitol executives to observe economy and austerity on expenses for food and entertainment.
"Provide reliable and consistent information as to the name of the event, date and venue. Avoid alteration of data in the documents," COA added.