P15M listed as fund for old Capitol renovation boggles COA
Old Capitol Facade
Where is the over P15 million intended for the renovation of the old Provincial Capitol building?
As far as government auditors are concerned, Governor Niel Tupas Sr. must explain alongside the Capitol's Provincial Treasurer. And as per validation of the Commission on Audit (COA), the findings stands – full amount had been transferred from one bank account to another minus proper authority with the original account now discovered to have been closed.
While at it, no rehabilitation nor reconstruction happened at the old Capitol building then damaged by the fire back in October 1999.
Contained in Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) Reference No. 2008-007, copy of which was obtained by The News Today (TNT), State Auditor IV Marietta Sofia and State Auditor V Arlene Togonon were signatories of the latest AOM.
The commission's observation was detailed as follow: "Funds amounting to P15,385,190.43 intended for the reconstruction of the Provincial Capitol Building was initially deposited to LBP Account No.0031-3684-56 but was subsequently transferred to several accounts without the supporting authority or resolution thus proper disbursements of the amount could not be monitored and accounted for."
The over P15 million was sourced from the national government and received by the Iloilo Provincial Government last March 20, 2001. Subsequent audit revealed the transfer of the entire funds including interest some two months later.
More bank transfers in June 2002 then April 2004 that led to the ‘demise' of the Time Deposit Account in May 2004.
"This chronology of transactions had been duly confirmed with the depository bank as to the amount, balances and status of the accounts. Our confirmation results however do not disclose specific reasons and purposes of the transfers of funds… No explanation whatsoever has been submitted by the officials of the Province concerned," the AOM continued.
Further still, COA noted how the Provincial Accountant's Office was not informed of the said series of transfers. In this, the Commission wants the Provincial Treasurer to "explain and disclose the specific reasons and purpose of the transfers of funds from one bank account to another and the opening and closure of bank accounts."
The governor in an interview with Capitol reporters denied mis-use of the missing P15 million.
TNT gathered that in a press conference early this week Gov. Tupas said that the plan to renovate the old provincial capitol is still in the works.
He said they are still looking for funds most probably from the Heritage Commission to be used in the renovation project.
Tupas said they are planning to convert the old capitol building into a museum.
He was also quoted as saying that the old edifice needs renovation since it is already in bad condition and it needs repairs.
Tupas further said that they would bring back the old capitol to its former splendor, adding that they will start renovating its façade, being the oldest part of the building.
At present, the old capitol building houses some provincial offices as well as the office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).