Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 14) — State auditors have flagged the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for its unjustified grocery, COVID-19 Response Assistance, and meal allowances for its workers.
In its 2021 annual audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the “proprietary and validity” of the ₱3.38 million grocery allowance and ₱185,000 COVID-19 Response Assistance distributed by the newly formed department to its personnel.
The COA said the ₱10,000 grocery allowance and ₱5,000 COVID-19 Response Assistance received by each DHSUD employee were not supported with complete documentation. The distribution of allowances to DHSUD employees violated the Government Auditing Code and similar rules promulgated by the COA and the Government Procurement Policy Board.
The state audit body also flagged the ₱1.46 million worth of grocery allowance given by DHSUD to contract-of-service (COS) workers and consultants.
“Stop the practice of granting additional benefits to officials and employees without legal basis,” state auditors said.
In its response to the COA, the DHSUD said it has instructed its accountants to refund the allowances received by employees through salary deduction starting March 2022. A total of ₱706,575 have been refunded as of May 31.
The department has appealed to keep the allowances received by COS personnel in consideration of their rendered services amid the height of lockdowns brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
State auditors also took notice of the over ₱3.09 million disbursements for meals and snacks provided to COS personnel working for DHSUD and Task Force Bangon Marawi.
They stressed those are deemed as “irregular” expenditures since the distribution of meals and snacks allowances violated government spending guidelines.
“Stop the practice of disbursing for expenses that are personal in nature such of meals and snacks, and strictly observe prudence on the use of government funds by ensuring that these are utilized only for expenses which are regular and necessary,” the COA added.
The DHSUD said it acted in “good faith” in granting meal allowances to the COS and field office workers.
