Self-inflicted muzzles

Did we, in the media, adequately report the extent of plunder by regional Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan’s office (ORG) within the Autonomus Region of Muslim Mindanao?

The key word is “adequately.”

Hard-nosed reporters probe beneath the superficial. Inquirer ran a series by Fernando del Mundo on thousands of ordinary farmers conned by the coconut levy scam. Journalist Marites Vitug scrutinized Supreme Court flip-flops. Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism documented vote-rigging in Maguindanao.

Beijing commissars, in contrast, dismantled the respected China Economic Times’ investigative reporting team. No such gag can be imposed here. Not since People Power toppled Marcos’ dictatorship.

But what about self-inflicted muzzles? Did papers and stations just rehash the page-and-a-half press release on a 125-page Commission on Audit report on ORG looting? This release cited misallocation of P2.5 billion to lack of public bidding for P650.9 million in projects.

The rewrites were accurate. But “we are not megaphones or stamp pads, ”the late publisher Joaquin “Chino” Roces cautioned. “Our reports must provide context and significance. These are essential, if citizens are to make informed decisions in a free society.”

Troll the excerpts culled from COA’s report below. They may help gauge if press release rewrites were “adequate.”

Over 21 months, ORG funneled P14.6 billion in national government cash allocations to 25 line agencies. It spent P2.5 billion for operations

“ORG transactions of P1.003 billion were ’spurious.’” Instead of checks, as required by rules, cash totaling P866.5 million were advanced. “These were granted without specific purpose.” Doles varied from P15.1 million to P5.5 million.

“Highly improbable daily cash payments, ranging from P7.0 million to as high as P13.4 million, were made to purported payees from Cotabato City, Zamboanga City and Metro Manila.”

No public bids were called. Instead, three price quotations, by suppliers without any address, were stapled to purchase orders. “Existence of participating suppliers could not be verified.” Few had documents “to establish their necessity and legitimacy.” Most were “paid in cash out of advances of Mr. Patadon, Special Disbursing Officer.”

About 95 percent of Special Purpose Fund (P153.4 million) were diverted to relief goods, medicines, catering services, etc. Transactions were not fully documented.

In eight months of 2009, ORG doled P29.2 million to maintain a plush Manila Liaison Office. Located in an exclusive village, it was staffed by 45 employees. “Extraordinary high expenses” were bloated by “unauthorized, uncontrolled and questionable traveling and meal expenses.”

Travel bills by a footloose staff. inflated claims, by P5.9 million, beyond the “allowable expenses” cap. Trip claims were of overlapping duration. Receipts and invoices submitted were bogus and P740,000 plus of current claims fictitious. There is P1.3 million unliquidated.

Thirteen suppliers denied transacting business with ORG. Yet they were paid P393.8 million in 853 transactions .The whole process— from purchase, distribution and receipt of procured items—had skimpy documentation.

Forty-seven supposed suppliers didn’t answer COA’s enquiries. Ten suppliers were not licensed. Capitalization and gross receipts were “way below their reported transactions with ORG. Ocular inspection revealed five had the same address, namely, “a mere residential house.”

Had enough? Wait. There’s more. ORG receipts “bearing the same numbers were issued on different dates for varying amounts.” Receipts “bearing higher numbers were issued earlier than those bearing lower numbers. Serial numbers of receipts, issued by purported ORG suppliers, were consecutive.” ORG was their only client for long stretches.

In 72 disbursements, ORG paid P261.6 million for “debts,” despite lack of COA certification that such obligations were valid. In one day, 117 checks were disbursed by ORG.

Of 16 creditors, 14 did not exist at the time of the alleged transactions. “ORG officials’ signatures appeared to be computer scanned. No documents prove that goods and services were received.”

ARRM officials, from Director Khem Inok to Financial and Budget Management Services Director Batolacongan Abdullah, repeatedly asked for time to comment. Thus, COA moved a Feb. 24 deadline to March 12.

Three days after that deadline lapsed, ARRM haggled for another two months. No, COA replied. ARRM had “already been given ample time.” Just appeal audit findings to the Commission Proper.”

How does one debunk documented findings of p-l-u-n-d-e-r? The sums stolen in ARRM make sweepstakes looting of charity funds or fobbing secondhand helicopters as “brand-new,” ironically on cops, seem like peanuts.

Grand-scale theft occurred in a region where life expectancy falls below 57 years due to poverty. Compare that to 74 years in La Union. Forty-five persons in ARRM drink from polluted wells. The comparative figure for Ilocos Sur is four.

All these occurred under Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo’s watch. When did she know about this plunder? Did she even inquire? “Hello, Zaldy”?

The task of the press is to hold accountable those responsible for misgovernance. But can we discharge this duty if much reporting still flounders at the level of rehashed press releases? We, too, are accountable.