Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago has further stepped up the implementation of various reform measures that would ensure transparency especially in the use of the agency’s fund.
The objective, according to Santiago, is to ensure that all the PPA transactions would be in compliance with the rules of the Commission on Audit (COA), which has been tasked to ensure good governance through the transparent use of government funds.
Santiago’s latest order for a change of old rules was in connection with the 2022 COA report which made mention of procurement of various office equipment, furniture, computers computer software and high-end models and brands of electronic gadgets through inclusion as reimbursable items in several dredging and infrastructure projects.
The fund involved is P18.48 million and the PPA said the equipment procured particularly the computers are equipped with engineering software that are integral for the efficient and effective management and supervision of the project engineers.
The reimbursable items included in the program of works for infrastructure projects were purchased as needed in a particular project.
The office furniture and fixtures and computers listed in the reimbursable items were deemed necessary in the engineer's field office at the project locations to run properly during that period. After the project completion, the office furniture and fixtures were turned over to the respective Port Offices for their continued safekeeping and proper use.
Santiago, however, said they support the COA report and vowed to comply with it.
“We immediately followed COA's recommendation to immediately discontinue the inclusion and provision of reimbursable items in the contracts for dredging and infrastructure projects,” said Santiago.
Since 2016 when he assumed the top PPA post, Santiago has started changing the then-existing policy on reimbursable project items in order to correct said reimbursement policy of the agency to align with good governance practices, including removing reimbursements of items like project vehicles to strictly comply with COA requirements.
In the latest PPA-COA exit conference held on June 9, 2023, COA commended the
PPA management on the significant improvements of implementation of financial audit recommendations that can be reflected in the financial statements of PPA including policies in reimbursable project items.
“As among the pillars of government agencies with significant annual dividend contributions to the national coffers, and high accomplishment and budget utilization rates, PPA remains to be a solid ally in a whole of government approach,” said Santiago.