COA disallows Cabanatuan water district head’s P3-M Harvard expenses

The Commission on Audit has ordered Cabanatuan City Water District general manager Mario Villasan to return to the government P3.315-million in training and traveling expenses for the Harvard Business School’s advance management program.

In a recently-released Sept. 27 decision, the COA proper affirmed the notice of disallowance dated July 1, 2013 against Villasan.

It also instructed auditors to expand the ND’s coverage to the members of the board of directors who authorized Villasan’s participation in the Harvard program.

COA said Villasan failed to observe Administrative Order No. 103, which in 2004 suspended all foreign travels except ministerial meetings and scholarships or training programs that came at no cost to the government.

His trip was also contrary to Section 7 of Executive Order No. 248, which in 1995 required that allowances should be granted only for travels which are “urgent and extremely necessary, within minimum expenditure and are expected to bring immediate benefit to the country.”

“The attendance of GM Villasan in training abroad entailed significant amount of funds which is in violation of the austerity measures in the government,” the COA pointed out.