REPORTS from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the 2024 fiscal year have uncovered significant fiscal and administrative irregularities within both the Cebu City and Provincial Governments. The audit cited issues of mismanagement, procedural violations and possible wasted public funds.
In Cebu City, medical equipment worth nearly P71 million, purchased for the Cebu City Medical Center, has remained idle for over five years. State auditors found the equipment, which includes a digital radio fluoroscopy system and an X-ray machine, languishing in a warehouse, leading to expired warranties and deterioration. The non-utilization was attributed to inadequate planning.
Read: P70M medical gear for CCMC ‘left unused’ for 5 years
COA also flagged the City’s P19.8 million expenditure on 92 consultants, citing irregularities such as vague terms of reference, hiring for roles that could be filled by regular employees and paying for services before contracts were legally perfected.
Read: P19.8M consultancy contracts flagged
Meanwhile, a P12-million artificial intelligence-aided traffic system and four motorcycles donated for the South Road Properties were never recorded in the City’s books. This omission resulted in the traffic system becoming non-functional after damage and the motorcycles being improperly used without official registration.
Read: SRP AI traffic system, motorcycles ‘unrecorded’ in City Hall books
At the provincial level, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has ordered the recovery of P143 million in disallowed and suspended expenditures from previous administrations. The directive followed a COA report detailing financial liabilities spanning from 2013 to 2025. The Provincial Legal Office is now tasked with compelling the recipients to return the funds.