LWUA execs ordered to return P13M in unauthorized expenses

The Supreme Court building in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court ordered the officials of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to return P13 million in unauthorized extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) that they received in 2006.

In its decision made public Tuesday, the high court affirmed the notice of disallowance by the Commission on Audit (COA).

“The court finds that the COA did not commit any grave abuse of discretion as its affirmance of notice of disallowance no. 09-001-GF (06) is based on cogent legal grounds,” the high court said.

“Notice of disallowance dated July 21, 2009 is therefore upheld and the persons therein held liable are ordered to duly return the disallowed amount of P13,110,998.26,” it added.

In its investigation, the COA discovered that the amount was reimbursed to LWUA officials between January and December 2006 even without supporting documents.

A notice of disallowance was issued prompting LWUA officers to contest the notice saying they are not aware of the reimbursement requirements.

COA denied their appeal, which prompted them to take the case to the Court of Appeals. However, the appeals court affirmed COA’s ruling. LWUA officials then elevated the case to the high court.