Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 25) – The Commission on Audit (COA) said the Department of Education, which Vice President Sara Duterte heads, spent ₱1.69 billion on its travel expenses in 2022, more than double the amount recorded a year ago.
In its annual report, COA said DepEd spent over ₱805 million on its travel expenses in 2021.
Among its travel expenses in 2022, local trips used up ₱1.68 billion while the remaining ₱8.69 million was spent for trips overseas.
Based on the COA report, both years showed that DepEd spent more of its travel expenses on its local travels.
State auditors also questioned DepEd for not spending enough on learning tools and equipment, particularly for science, mathematics, and technical-vocational livelihood subjects.
READ: COA flags DepEd over low spending for learning tools
The Marcos administration is seeking a ₱942.7 billion budget for DepEd in 2024, which includes ₱150 million in confidential funds.
