MANILA, Philippines — The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), or the Pag-Ibig Fund, granted P18.173 million in car plan benefits to 21 officers in 2020 without the Office of the President’s approval, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.
“The car plan benefit for HDMF officers authorized under HDMF Office Order No. 2015-009 was implemented in the absence of the required approval by the Office of the President, thus contrary to Presidential Decree No. 1597,” a 2020 audit report on the HDMF said.
The COA advised the HDMF to secure a “post facto approval” and to “stop the additional car plan benefits until the issuance of the required approval” from Malacañang. PD 1597 requires the President’s approval for allowances, honoraria and other fringe benefits given to government employees.