Saturday, August 04, 2007 COA disallows bonus given to PB members
THE Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the P10,000-collective negotiation agreement (CNA) bonus given to Provincial Board members last year.
The bonus was granted in 2006, so Board members who would have to refund the amount they received are legislators in the previous term.
In a notice of disallowance dated July 31, COA said the payment of CNA to elected officials is irregular and violates a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) circular.
Budget Circular No. 2006-1 is the guideline for granting CNA bonuses.
It states that covered by the CNA are rank-and-file employees who are members of employees’ organizations accredited by the Civil Service Commission. It also defines rank-and-file employees as government employees who do not perform managerial functions.
Liable
Those who have to refund their bonuses are PB Members Antonio Almirante, Raul Bacaltos, Juan Bolo, Ramon Martin Calderon, Teresita Celis, Victoria Corominas, Rosemarie Durano, Jose Ma. Gastardo, Carmiano Kintanar, Victor Maambong, Agnes Magpale, Joven Mondigo, Gabriel Luis Quisumbing, Estrella Yapha and Alfred Francis Ouano.
COA also found other officials liable for the transaction.
Lawful
They include Marina Abear, executive assistant III, for requesting allotment on the transaction “which was found to be irregular and for certifying that the expense is necessary, lawful and incurred under direct supervision.”
Provincial Accountant Marieto Ypil was also named for having certified that the expenses were supported with complete documents and for certifying as to the obligation of allotment for the purpose.
The others are: Azucena Sanchez of the budget office for certifying in lieu of the budget officer as to the existence of an appropriation that has been legally made for the purpose; Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre and Cleofe Gonzaga for certifying that funds were available and Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin for approving the transaction.
The Provincial Government still has six months to appeal the disallowance.
The notice was addressed to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and signed by State Auditor IV Josette Rodriguez. (MBG)
