Lemery execs in P2M unsettled CAs as COA questions over P1M supply purchase
Municipal officials and top executives of the Municipality of Lemery have over P2 million in unliquidated and unsettled cash advances using the town's money. There is also over P1 million in supplies bought in the past year that government auditors questioned for not adhering to government-prescribed procedures.
Over 5.2 million in disbursements were also deemed to have been improperly done using the 20% Development Fund. And while at it, electricity expenses of over P150,000 were also wrongly charged in said fund "thus resulting in the injudicious use of the fund for purposes other than the very purpose or purposes for which the funds were intended.
The cash advances piled up from previous year's amount.
"The practice resulted in inefficient control over the granting, utilization and liquidation of cash advances. Also, the public notion on unliquidated cash advances is that the funds may have been used for purposes either than for which the cash advances have been granted," the COA wrote while adding how the disbursing officer must liquidate and settle or else the salary due will be withheld.
The News Today learned that one accountable officer has been stripped off his post following the COA discovery.
Supplies procured were also questioned due to the manner of which such was made.
"For the year 2005, the Municipality purchased supplies totaling P1,047,473.69 which were resorted to in the absence of an Annual Procurement Plan. The procurement thereof crucial to the efficient discharge of governmental functions has been injudiciously planned," COA stated.