Millions in fraudulent deals, messy records in Passi City
Millions in irregular, illegal and fraudulent government spendings were uncovered by government auditors in Passi City.
Starting off with over P2.2 million shortage blamed on conniving city executives to fraudulent procurement of equipment, a total of six major findings formed part this year's Commission on Audit (COA) report.
For one, the town mayor's attention was called by COA for not filling up the mandatory position for City Administrator. This, the Commission said resulted to the "failure to develop plans and strategies relative to the management and administration-related programs and projects and identify, monitor and act on significant risks affecting the local government unit's operations and financial reporting function."
Yet it was to be the multi-million cash shortage that topped the COA's grim discoveries stemming from altered official receipts. As per COA probe, a collusion occurred between the city's chief of Land Tax Section and the Data Controller IV.
"The cash examination report is presently being reviewed by the Regional Legal and Adjudication Office and eventually will be forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman for filing of appropriate charges," excerpts of the COA report obtained by The News Today (TNT) went.
Corresponding charges has since been filed by the city mayor before the anti-graft body.
Meantime, fraud and blatant irregularities marked the purchase of various equipment done by the city.
An audit of disbursement vouchers and review of purchase orders showed glaring illegalities starting off with the bidding supposedly held. Questions were raised on the contractors involved that tainted purchase of nearly P1.8 million six-wheeler tractor head, a ten-wheeler truck worth nearly P900,000 and several slaughterhouse equipment.
Chaotic conditions too in the Office of the Economic Enterprise and Management where over P600,000 in unpaid fees hang.
The COA in its audit found out the lack of lease contracts and mayor's permits, delinquent rental fees and unpaid mayor's permits. Worse, over 445 business establishments here stands as subject of closure order.
COA also called for city's action on unliquidated cash advances of over P400,000. There was also direct questioning made on the grant of transportation allowances to three city personnel.