CEBU CITY – The Commission on Audit (COA) has cited the Cebu City government for some "irregular disbursement" of COVID-19 financial assistance in 2020.
In its report, COA said 632 supposed ineligible beneficiaries received P3.792 million from Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The COA likewise questioned an "irregular disbursement" of some P1.503 million in COVID-19 Special Risk Allowance (SRA) to non-Public Health Workers.
"To summarize, the City granted SRA to carpenters, electricians, plumber, accountants, administrative aides, and other non-PHWs," the COA's Annual Audit Report said. "These personnel may been assigned in Cebu City Medical Center, Guba Community Hospital, and Main and Barangay Health Stations, however, they did not directly cater to or were in contact with COVID-19 patients, Persons Under Investigation, or Persons Under Monitoring," the COA report said.
The COA pointed out that cash allowance was for doctors, nurses, and other health workers who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients, Persons Under Investigation (PUI), and Persons Under Monitoring (PUM).
COA said the release of the allowances were contrary to the guidelines set by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Circular No. 2020-2 defining who are qualified to receive an SRA.
In its reply to State auditors, the city government said the DBM circular covers not only medical professionals and allied health professionals but also administrative and support personnel, regardless of their employment status.
"These personnel have physically reported for work at their respective offices or work stations and provided critical and urgent services to respond to public health emergency during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine," the city government said.
The city was asked by COA to submit written explanation or justification why it granted COVIF-19 SRA to non-PHWs.
"If the justification is not tenable, then the City of Cebu officials who approved the payment should be held liable and be required to refund the amount." With regards to the release of P3.792 million SAP to ineligible beneficiaries, COA recommended that the Special Disbursing Officer and the City Development and Social Welfare Officer send demand letters to ask for a refund of the "illegally received" assistance.
"We also recommend that the City Legal Office conduct further investigation for administrative, civil, and criminal actions, if warranted."