COA clarifies audit memo on Capiz capitol deals

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Commission on Audit (COA) clarified its Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) on several transactions of the Capiz provincial government.

This was based on the reply sent by COA to Provincial Administrator Edwin Chinel Monares regarding the purchase of drugs and medicines and medical, dental and laboratory supplies worth P242.590 million and the installation of the modular COVID-19 testing pop-up laboratory worth P17.5 million.

COA Audit Team Leader Joy Therese Orillos said the AOM they issued on the two transactions was just a reminder to the provincial government to comply with some requirements and reply to audit comments.

Despite the comment on the deficiency in the accounting and inventory of purchases, COA said it cannot not conclude yet if there is corruption considering that the internal control system is in place and the supplies have been accepted after due inspection.

Monares sent the inquiry to COA last Feb 7, 2021 in an effort to clear allegations of corruption in the utilization of the P242.590-million budget for medicines and other supplies.

Meanwhile, P10 million is needed for the construction of a mega bodega in the province of Capiz.

According to Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) head Eduardo “Boy” Apaap, the mega bodega will answer the problem of the Provincial Government regarding the whereabouts of supplies in response to COA observations.

The mega bodega will be put up at the governor’s mansion in Brgy. Lanot here to safekeep supplies delivered to the provincial government.