Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. (File photo by CONSUELO MARQUEZ / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has already resolved or partially resolved most of the “deficiencies” flagged by the Commission on Audit’s (COA) in its P67.32-billion COVID-19 funds, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said in the weekly taped briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte that aired on late Monday night and lasted until early Tuesday.
“As of today [Monday], out of the 13 deficiencies, five were already resolved, three were partially resolved and the remaining five are currently being complied,” Vega said.
In its annual audit report, COA said it found “deficiencies” in the use of the P67.32-billion fund of the DOH that was allotted for its COVID-19 pandemic response.
According to the report, the deficiencies stemmed from noncompliance with pertinent laws and regulations, which led to missed opportunities for DOH in its COVID-19 response.
This cast doubt on the regularity of transactions, while keeping much-needed funds at bay and unspent, according to COA.
According to Vega, however, among those that have already resolved are COA’s findings on the unobligated allotment of P11.8 billion, the P1.8 billion recording of donations, and P275 million meal benefits.