PCO addresses issues on COA-flagged overpayment of leave benefits 

Logo and facade of the Commission on Audit (COA) building.

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday said that it has taken corrective measures to address the Commission on Audit’s (COA) report flagging the agency’s lack of supporting documents for payment of P25.72 million over terminal leaves and monetized leave credits.

According to the PCO, COA had issued the agency an Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) in February 2023 saying that overpayment of Terminal Leave Benefits (TLB).

“Immediately after the receipt of the AOM, the current management of the PCO replied to COA regarding the corrective measures being undertaken:  1) demand letters were issued to the separated employees requiring them to refund the overpaid TLBs; and, 2) review of the approved TLB applications and submission of the incomplete requirements,” it said in a statement.

The PCO said that it has claimed a refund of overpaid TLBs from 38 former employees worth P824,625.37, which has been returned to the Bureau of Treasury. It also noted that there are no pending administrative cases yet.

“With regard to the incomplete documents, the Human Resource Development Division has already submitted the Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) of the separated officials and employees to COA,” said the PCO.

“The PCO remains committed to ensuring that all internal processes and procedures are compliant with existing and applicable rules and regulations.” it added.

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