THE National Youth Commission (NYC) on Tuesday, April 24, denied any irregularities in the utilization of its funds.

The commission was reacting to media reports stating that the Commission on Audit found that the NYC utilized unnecessary expenses for snacks and awarded nearly P2.5 million worth of consulting contracts without supporting documents.

"It is very clear in the Commission on Audit Report that there are no irregularities in the utilization of the NYC's funds," Ronald Gian Cardema said in a statement on Tuesday.

Caderma said that even if the NYC is a small agency with a budget of P149 million, all concerns of the agency's expenditures as indicated in Audit Observation Memoranda were already discussed and properly responded with the Commission on Audit.

He further said that the NYC continues to improve its system to ensure that it can comply with the existing budgeting and auditing rules and procedures.

Caderma stressed that the NYC has maintained a good track record in its fiscal management.

Evidence to this, he said is the recent statement of suspensions, disallowances and charges dated January 5, 2018 and April 4, 2018 issued by COA, which shows no negative findings against the NYC.

Caderma warned media entities to verify first the news before reporting it.

"Positive change cannot be achieved if some media entities will continue reporting without verifying information," he added. (Keith A. Calayag/SunStar Philippines)