PCIJ WebAlert #21.2008

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W H A T ' S N E W @ www.pcij.org
1.June.2008


---------------[ i Report Feature )------

PUBLIC EYE
Arroyo Fails COA Audit
Fairness in Presidency's Books 'Doubtful'
by Malou Mangahas

AS the country faces numerous crises, the Arroyo government has
repeatedly called for belt-tightening, on both the private and public
sector.

But the latest Commission on Audit (COA) report on the Office of the
President (OP) reveals the seat of power itself has not been judicious
in its use of taxpayers’ money. The COA report outlines how Malacañang
repeated most of its errors in spending last year.

State auditors also noted that the Palace failed to liquidate over
P632 million of cash advances and receivables from officers, employees
and other persons, including P594 million given to persons who are not
employees of the Office of the President.

Expected to create furor as well are questions about Arroyo’s spending
for travels abroad. In one instance, COA noted that a cashier who
handled P222 million for foreign travels was not even part of the
trip. Arroyo has been criticized repeatedly for traveling with a huge
delegation.

Donations amounting to P37 million were also found to have been used
“outside of intended purposes.”

This special report shows how the Arroyo administration disregards
long-standing rules on government spending, despite the scandal caused
by the handing out of P1 million to governors in the Palace in October
last year, followed by a similar activity involving mayors.

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