COA uncovers over P11M unliquidated cash advances, millions more in fiscal mess
A staggering P11.2 million in cash advances made by officials and employees of the Municipality of Banate, Iloilo awaits liquidation. While at it, the coffers of the municipal government must also be refunded with over P2 million in illegal extra cash gifts granted again to the town’s officials and employees. And it does not stop there.
A total of 33 parcels of land supposedly owned by the municipal government valued over P13.2 million are actually without Torrens Title. Further still, a P100,000 loan was granted to a multi-purpose cooperative minus the mandated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or some form of contact of loan. And similar situation too, in over P566,000 uncollected market stall rental fees because no lease contracts likewise exist.
The findings formed part of the latest report made by the Commission On Audit (COA) Regional Office 6. The questioned disbursements and operations all duly validated by government auditors sent to make a mandatory post audit here.
The News Today (TNT) obtained a copy of the COA report wherein the topmost liable officer named in the over P11.2 million unliquidated cash advances was Mayor Carlos Cabangal. It was to be an “star-cast” though with some five department heads and Vice Mayor Exequiel Palec Jr. in the list.
To the mayor’s name was over P5 million in accountability taken from the General Fund that began at over P49,000 way back in 2001, additional P71,580 in 2002, P154,673.50 in 2003, P883,400 in 2004, P471,500 in 2005 and P844,048.69 in 2006. In 2007, listed as yet another set of unliquidated cash advance under the mayor’s name was P740,230, and in 2008, the figure ballooned to P1,923,230.
The mayor also had some accountability from the town’s Special Education Fund of P15,000 and a total of P1,950,700 in the Trust Fund.
Other town officials identified as equally liable for unliquidated cash advances included town treasurer Julius Caesar Belicena and former treasurer Lynn Banas, the town’s health physician Venus Banas, the municipal budget officer Joelory Legado and the town’s agriculturist Luz Ferrer.
A detailed report of the unliquidated expenses also showed COA discovery of “official” disbursements that went to a singing contest (P44,000), local BMX bike competition (40,000), P150,000 for fiesta celebration and nearly P700,000 in medical mission of which P300,000 was released here without a voucher.
As for the parcels of land, COA called on the attention of the municipal government reminding them that without the Torrens Title, possible loss of rights over the assets and properties to squatters will happen.
Meantime, full refund is sought by the COA on over P2 million in extra cash gifts here that were given to the officials and employees in December.