COA to brief solons on P67.3-B DOH COVID-19 fund deficiencies

Commission on Audit. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) is set to brief members of the House of Representatives on the P67.3-billion deficiencies in the Department of Health (DOH)’s handling of COVID-19 funds.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco asked for the COA briefing which will be hosted by the Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Representative Jose Singson Jr., within the week.

“We want to get the facts straight from COA and we are particularly concerned because the funds involved were among those allocated under the Bayanihan laws that Congress passed last year,” Velasco said in a statement Sunday.

The Speaker said he seeks to ensure the wise and efficient use of the COVID-19 fund.

“The overall objective is to ensure that the billions of pesos Congress had dedicated to COVID-19 response—and any additional funds it provides in future legislation—are spent wisely and effectively,” Velasco said.

The Speaker also bared that DOH officials will be invited to attend the briefing to shed light on the deficiency.

“The briefing would also serve as a venue for the DOH to explain and account for the pandemic funds mentioned in the COA report,” Velasco said.

Velasco added that the lower chamber will listen to the DOH’s explanations before making any conclusions.

Last Wednesday, COA flagged the DOH over its P67.3-billion deficiency in managing the COVID-19 funds. The health agency countered that the amount is accounted for.

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