The Commission on Audit has issued a notice of disallowance to the Department of Tourism for P162.3 million in unauthorized bonuses and allowances given to officials and employees in 2011 and 2012. The notice includes an order to return the disallowed benefits.
According to a report that the COA released on its website on Friday, auditors found the following unauthorized disbursements:
- P10.99 million in excess Collective Negotiations Agreement (CNA) incentives for 2011
- P40.84 million in economic assistance (P26.89M in 2011 and P13.95M in 2012)
- P53.33 million in economic relief allowance (P23.26M in 2011 and P19.49M in 2012)
- P5.82 million in calamity assistance for 2012
- P5.96 million in birthday bonuses (P2.45M in 2011 and P3.51M in 2012)
- P29.28 million in educational assistance (P12.96M in 2011 and P16.31M in 2012)
- P16.22 million in professional and persona enhancement incentives in 2012
COA said the 2011 CNA authorized an across-the-board incentive of P25,000 but that the DOT released P48,000 per employee, an excess that totalled P10.99 million.
The Tourism also failed to seek approval from the Office of the President for P151.447 million in extra benefits granted in 2011 and 2012.
“The payment of allowances and other forms of compensation without proper authority is deemed an irregular expenditure, hence, Notice of Disallowance No. 13-002-101 (11-12) dated November 5, 2013 was issued,” COA said.
According to a transmittal letter attached to the audit report, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. received a copy of the audit findings on December 27, 2013. — JDS, GMA News
