COA flags OVP project for deficiencies

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged some P28.189 million in the Angat Buhay project of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for deficiencies, including lack of official receipts, liquidation reports and progress reports.

The annual COA audit report said that of the P80 million budget of the OVP, 56 percent, or P44.664 million, was allocated to Angat Buhay in 2018.

But of the 29 local governments that benefited from the program, 19 did not issue mandatory receipts and provided only a certification, which the OVP accepted, contrary to the documentary requirement prescribed under COA Circular No. 2012-001.

The OVP said it decided to accept certificates in lieu of official receipts because the local government beneficiaries were still “adjusting to the process of fund transfer.” —Patricia Denise M. Chiu