Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 6) — The Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) over untitled parcels of land recorded in its books valued at ₱73.5 billion.
In its report, the COA said these parcels of land with an area of at least 3.9 million square meters are not supported by original or transfer certificate of titles that show ownership.
“Absence of O/TCT (original or transfer certificate of titles) to prove ownership exposes the land to counterclaim of ownership from third parties and renders the ownership of the land uncertain,” government auditors noted.
In its comment, the PPA management explained it has submitted documents but has to rely on the dispatch of other concerned agencies.
It assured the COA that it is doing everything to resolve the matter.
Unregistered motor vehicles
State auditors also flagged the PPA’s use of 166 unregistered motor vehicles valued at over ₱219 million.
The vehicles apparently also do not bear government plates or proper markings of “For Official Use Only” as required under a COA circular.
“Non-compliance with the markings requirements and use of government plates may result in the unauthorized use of the agencies’ motor vehicles as absence of marking and government plates do not identify the vehicles as owned by the government,” auditors explained.
The COA recommended and PPA management agreed to expedite the registration of these vehicles.
