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Thursday, December 09, 2004
Ex-mayor tags audit report as 'mini-haha'
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan and Roberto L. Bacasong
FORMER Mayor Luzviminda Valdez tagged the Commission on Audit's (COA) report and the alleged tampered receipts as "mini-haha" and as a political propaganda of the Leonardia administration.
"I pity the incumbent mayor for not evaluating thoroughly the documents," said Valdez of Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
She said it's very impossible for her administration to spend only P60 for President Arroyo's visit in the city.
Valdez also said it was unbelievable for the city under her administration to spend only P27 for the visit of Senate President Franklin Drilon.
"If I have only these P60 and P27 expenses, I would definitely not bother the city for any reimbursement," she said.
Valdez suspected the COA report submitted by Shiela Portal to Leonardia was manipulated to demean her and her previous administration.
Valdez found an ally in acting Mayor Renecito Novero.
Novero said if Valdez knew there was irregularity in the receipts, she would have not consented to it.
"I'm not saying there was irregularity. The mayor is the last one to sign," said Novero.
Novero said because of her hectic schedule, the mayor could no longer check the receipts and obscure documents.
Valdez said as mayor she was not in charge with the processing of receipts.
"We need to see those receipts. I am open for investigation to prove I am innocent," she said.
Valdez explained the New Government Accounting System (NGAS), which states there are "accountable officials" in every government transaction.
These officials, she said, include the budget officer, accountant and treasurer.
These officials in any local government unit are authorized to scrutinize the transaction, check and re-check the supporting documents including its pre-approval.
If all documents were signed by these key accountable officials, these are deemed approved and read for the final signature of the mayor.
"It is now a jurisprudence that the mayor's signature in any government transaction is only 'ministerial' in nature," said Valdez.
The City Government will file charges against Valdez for violation of the Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
(December 9, 2004 issue)
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