Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar asserted that no irregularities were committed despite the recent findings of state auditors on the alleged non-utilization of the P9.8-billion fund intended for farmers.
"We assure our countrymen that since we assumed office in August 2019, we have not committed any irregularities at the 'OneDA Family' as we continue to strongly implement a 'No to Corruption' policy," Dar said on Thursday, Aug. 19.
The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the agriculture department for failing to spend over P9.8 billion of its P59-billion cash allocation for 2020. It ended up getting reverted to the national treasury.
State auditors also found accounting errors and unliquidated expenses amounting to P17.5 billion.
The COA report cited failed biddings and discontinuance of implemented projects for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response as among the reasons for DA's failure to utilize the funds.
"We wish to note that our initial reply to the COA findings were already incorporated in the Consolidated Annual Audit Report or CAAR," Dar said.
"We hope that the detractors cite also our initial reply to balance the COA findings," he added.
The COA has given the DA 60 days from receipt of CAAR to give updates on the findings.
According to Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Roldan Gorgonio, they received the COA report on July 2, 2021 and they still have until September 2, 2021 to satisfy COA's observations through their categorical replies.
"Since July, we have been consolidating the respective reports from our concerned DA offices and operating units, and we will submit them promptly to COA on or before September 2," Dar said.
The secretary assuaged worries from farmers, fishers, livestock raisers, agri-fishery industry stakeholders, and its private and public sector partners by saying that "We do not and will not tolerate corruption, as we try to comply with all government accounting and auditing procedures and requirements, and continuously pursue above board our planned programs and initiatives to increase the productivity and incomes of farmers and fisherfolk, and attain a food-secure and resilient Philippines."