The Commission on Audit (COA) has warned the Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS) that it will disallow meal expenditures totalling P1,830,720.52 unless sufficiently supported by receipts and other pertinent documents.
In the 2019 annual audit report for BBS that was released Friday, the COA said the agency must justify the “legality and reasonableness” of the expenditure which represent 78 percent of the total P2,356,188.46 spent by the agency for meals for official functions during the year.
BBS is an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and is currently headed by Director Rizal Giovanni P. Aportadera Jr.
“A total of P2,356,188.46 was expended in CY 2019 for meals served during various meetings, of which P1,830,720.52 or 78 percent were not supported by documents that will allow the meetings as official, contrary to Section 4.6 of PD No. 1445 and COA Circular No. 2012-001 dated June 14, 2012, thus their legality and reasonableness could not be validated,” the audit report prepared by Director Sofia C. Gemora stated.
Audit reports revealed that the largest unjustified expenditure for meals was P342,890.55 in February.
Auditors said only certifications and receipts for the meals were attached to the disbursement vouchers of some P1,830,720.52.
To support the propriety and authenticity of the expenditures for meals during official meetings and conferences, the BBS must submit documents indicating the notic of the meeting, agenda, minutes of the meeting, attendance sheet, photographs, or video coverage of the event.
COA said responsible officials and the accountant must submit “sufficient and relevant documents to support” the expenses “found bereft of complete documentation to avoid being disallowed in audit.”
Responding to the adverse audit observations, the BBS management assured auditors that the required documents will be submitted immediately.