Manila gov’t verifying COA report on cash deficit

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila City government has tapped its budget officer and city accountant to look into reports that the former administration left a cash deficit of P4.39 billion.

The Commission on Audit (COA) earlier said in a report that as of Dec. 31, the city only had a general fund of P5.36 billion compared to P9.05 billion in payables and obligations.

“The city government is verifying the data,” Julius Leonen, Manila’s public information officer, said in a statement.

The COA findings were contrary to the claim of former Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada that the city’s financial standing was sound. He had frequently said during his six-year term that this was one of his accomplishments.

However, his administration failed to turn over any document about the city’s financial situation to Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.