Mexico mayor welcomes COA findings

MEXICO -- Mayor Teddy Tumang said Tuesday that he welcomes the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) for the year 2007 to mid-2010.

The COA has released its audit report, including recommended courses of action, refund of some P149 million in favor of the Municipality of Mexico in Pampanga, institution of proper charges, administrative and criminal, against concerned officials and private individuals in accordance with the penal provision under Section 65 of IRR-A of Republic Act (RA) 9184 and Section 3 (e) and (h) of RA 3019 and Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as strict compliance to the Government Procurement Act.

The audit was requested by Vice Mayor Roy Manalastas and councilors Rex Calma, Emmanuel Manalo, and Rudencio Gonzales on August 31, 2010, and was authorized under Audit Office 2010-653 dated October 4, 2010.

Its primary objective was to determine whether the selection of contractors/suppliers for projects/expenditures and award of contracts by the Municipality of Mexico implemented in 2007 up to mid-2010 were made in accordance with the Government Procurement Act.

Tumang said he welcomes the COA findings and "face charges if there are any."

"I welcome the COA findings and recommendations. However, there are no charges filed against me and the COA findings are not to be treated as complaints since they are just procedural," he said.

He said he is willing to face charges if any would be lodged against him.

"I believe it is mere politics. I'm ready. I am not even charged with plunder or corruption charges," he said.