Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — The Commission on Audit (COA) has questioned the local government of Liloan, Cebu for purchasing lechon for various occasions in 2022.
In its report uploaded on its website on June 23, the COA said Liloan officials purchased 207 pieces of lechon amounting to ₱1.357 million for the municipality’s team buildings, graduation ceremonies, and general assemblies, among other activities.
“The procurement of lechon for the above-mentioned activities was deemed unnecessary for it is not essential in carrying/attaining the objectives of the programs or activities at hand,” state auditors noted.
They also flagged the granting of lechon to private organizations and religious groups as irregular because it violates Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code. The audit showed purchases were made during the terms of then-mayor Christina Frasco and incumbent Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco.
The COA asked the LGU to refrain from incurring similar expenses for these activities.
“And henceforth, exercise prudence in the disposition of government funds and ensure that limited government resources are spent with the end view of efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in its operations,” it added.
The mayor explained the LGU did not actually purchase the lechon but simply made a cash donation for certain cultural activities.
“The pertinent parties are the ones who resolved to use the donation for the purchase of lechon in consonance with the Filipino tradition of highlighting any gathering with the aforesaid viand,” the official said.
Still, the mayor assured the COA that concerned offices have been instructed to prohibit the granting of any request for lechon in any activity.
In its rejoinder, the audit team insisted it was the municipality’s Bids and Awards Committee that purchased the lechon based on disbursement vouchers and other supporting documents.
