COA demands over P450T payment from ex-mayor
Period to liquidate 'already lapsed,' 8 official travels 'unofficial,' COA says
A total of P459,393.55 in unliquidated cash advances is now awaiting settlement and payment from a former Iloilo mayor.
With a demand already made by the Commission on Audit (COA), subject of the Commission's demand letter is former Dumangas Mayor Rolly Distura.
Documents obtained by The News Today (TNT) showed at least eight "official travel" questioned by COA for having incomplete supporting documents.
Also needing the former mayor's settlement are expenses while in office ranging from fiesta expenses, confidential and intelligence funds, a congressional meet and the Dumangas visit of General Angelo Reyes.
"The prescribed period for you to liquidate your cash advance has already lapsed, but to date we have neither received any of your liquidation nor a written explanation for your failure to do so," excerpts of the COA Demand Letter obtained by TNT went. "Failure on your part to comply herewith shall constitute a ground for the withholding of the payment of any money due you… and a "prima facie" presumption under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, that you have malversed the funds to your personal use and benefit."
Meantime, Distura's official travels as reported to the Commission showed claims with questionable documents.
A travel in August 2006 showed P15,295.12 in travel expense reimbursement that had no Travel Order and Certificate of Appearance. With P1,500 per day in hotel accommodation also sought reimbursement, COA called the attention of the former mayor with such not supported by an official receipt.
Other travels such as the attendance in the 2006 State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was also questioned and another voucher in January of 2007 where a claim for per diem was made a day before the supposed official travel.
Similar inconsistencies and incomplete supporting documents in the rest of the claimed official travels that had no Travel Order and Certificates of Apperance.
Copy of the COA's Demand Letter was furnished to the current town mayor, Ronaldo Golez.
Efforts to reach Distura for comment or reaction, however, turned futile.