SO long as the donation is specified in the annual budget, there’s no need for authorization from the Provincial Board (PB) for Gov. Gwen Garcia to disburse funds as calamity aid.
PB Member Peter John Calderon said this in response to reports that state auditors are looking into the provincial government’s release of P29 million in calamity funds which includes aid to provinces outside Cebu.
“As long as it is in the budget, authorization from the Provincial Board (PB) is not longer needed. The budget already has the legislative authorization,” said Calderon who chairs the committee on laws, reviews and ordinances.
He said the PB need not investigate the matter since the Commission on Audit (COA) is looking into it.
“If they see violations during the audit, it’s up to them. But as far as the PB is concerned, it (investigation) is no longer necessary.
He said the budget outlay for calamity donations don’t specify where the donations go. The COA wrote the Capitol asking whether the fund disbursement was deliberated and approved by the PB.
Vice Gov. Agnes Mapgale said she advised the Provincial Secretary “ to tell the truth” that the actual calamity aid releases did not pass through the board.