COA has asked the concerned local government units (LGU) to issue demand letters for the return of at least P38.79 million that were given to the ineligible beneficiaries.
State auditors also asked concerned officials to "submit a justification on the noted deficiencies and the inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries." "If warranted, demand for refund for funds illegally received and or impose corresponding sanctions," the COA report said.
In its audit report covering 40 out of the 44 towns for the year 2020, COA in Central Visayas discovered 21 towns distributed SAP to 6,465 ineligible recipients.
The qualifications of recipients were indicated in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 9, Series of 2020, or the omnibus guidelines for the Emergency Subsidy Program.
Under the memorandum, each beneficiary was supposes to receive a one-time P6,000 cash assistance.
Elected and appointed officials, all government employees, employees of private companies, retired persons with pensions, and families with independent financial capabilities were not qualified to receive the assistance.
The report stated that even barangay officials and job order employees of the government received the SAP.
Ineligible recipients came from Cebu towns Alcantara, Bantayan, Boljoon, Badian, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Catmon, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Oslob, Moalboal, Poro, Samboan, Ronda, San Fransisco, San Fernando, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, and Tudela.