SC stops COA’s move against DAP bonus plan

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court stopped the Commission on Audit from enforcing a notice of disallowance against the performance bonuses of employees of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

At the same time, the high court ordered petitioner DAP to reply on the comment filed by COA through its chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan and Commissioner Heidi Mendoza within 10 days.

In 1993, the Civil Service Commission approved the DAPs Employee Suggestions and Incentive Award System (ESIAS). The ESIAS provided for a Financial Performance Award which gives recognition both to “collective effort in attaining desired financial objectives” as well as “efficient individual performance.”

Following post-audit by COA, it noted observations against the FPA disbursements which eventually led to the issuance of a notice against its implementation.

DAP appealed to COA but it was dismissed prompting DAP to seek help from the Supreme Court.