COA calls out BI for 'unutilized allotments, undisbursed funds'
The Commission on Audit (COA) has called out the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for its unutilized allotments and undisbursed funds in 2022 due to delayed submission of supporting documents for the processing of payments.
In its audit report, COA said the delays in submission of documents and processing of payments range from five to 136 days.
It said that BI received a total allotment of P1.861 billion for 2022. The bureau obligated P1.577 billion or 87.74 percent of its total allotments and paid P1.502 billion or 95.24 percent of the total amount obligated, it said.
"Analysis of the Bureau’s Statement of Appropriations, Allotments, Obligations, Disbursements and Balances (SAAOBDB) disclosed that the approved budget for 2022 was not fully utilized by the agency," the COA said.
It said that BI cited several factors that contributed to the unutilized allotments and undisbursed funds, such as the delayed submission of supporting documents for the processing of payments.
It also said the delays in the submission of financial reports have affected the timely review and verification of BI’s accounts and transactions.
"The financial reports serve as an essential tool for management and the auditor in rendering and arriving at important decision/s and audit action/s. The same must be promptly submitted on time observing the prescribed period stated in the existing laws, rules and regulations in order for the users to utilize these reports effectively," the COA stressed.
The COA told BI officials to direct the concerned personnel to ensure timely submission of financial statements, reports and transaction documents within the prescribed period.
It said BI has assured that "measures are being done to comply with the prescribed period."