ARMM execs launch plan to combat corruption

COTABATO CITY—The government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) announced a massive anticorruption drive that will make use of communications technology amid reports of fund misuse by former officials.

The Commission on Audit (CoA), in a report, said it has unearthed “the anomalous disbursement of public funds” from 2008 to 2009 by the administration of Governor Zaldy Ampatuan.

In its 125-page report released on March 17 by a team of seven auditors, CoA said “total disregard of applicable laws, rules and regulations is evident” in many transactions emanating from the office of the regional governor during Ampatuan’s time.

Ampatuan is currently in jail in connection with the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

<strong>Without bidding</strong>

Among the CoA findings were “purchases without public bidding” paid with the ARMM funds amounting to P651 million and “cash advances” of P866 million.

Acting ARMM Governor Ansaruddin Adiong said the regional government was serious in rebuilding the regional government’s image tainted by reports of fund misuse.

He told reporters here that a World Bank-backed anticorruption mechanism, dubbed the Grievance Redress System or GRS, was being polished.

Using an electronically generated quick response system for feedback against shadowy fund handling, he said GRS was seen as the answer to allegations of corruption against regional officials.

“Nobody wants public funds to go to waste or for unwanted purposes,” he told reporters here Thursday.

<strong>E-mail complaints</strong>

Adiong said he has ordered all regional agencies to make public their budget and expenditures.

Nasser Sinarimbo, head of the ARMM social fund office, said while the GRS was still being polished, complaints and feedback on government fund use in the region may be sent to his e-mail address, [email protected].

But he said once fully operational, the GRS could also accept complaints via mobile phones.

“Minor complaints or grievances sent to the GRS can be immediately acted upon by my office,” Sinarimbo said.

As this developed, the National Economic and Development Authority last week said it has approved the expansion of the ARMM Social Fund. <strong><em>Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao</em></strong>