In the midst of the worsening crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic, and even though they have been criticized, the Commission on Audit (COA) continues to work on their audit reports on how government funds have been spent or not used or wasted.
One of the audit reports for the year 2020 is that of the Department of Education (DepEd), which found deficiencies or shortcomings in the processes for using P8.1 billion COVID-19 funds.
It said there were lapses in budget utilization and insufficient documents submitted to prove the correct expenditure, such as modules in the basic education learning continuity plan in the midst of the pandemic.
Incomplete or unavailable modules for students have also been noted, which has made it difficult for students to study now with the pandemic.
But in a statement, DepEd asserted that none of the COA’s findings refer to corruption, malversation of public funds, negligence, and betrayal of public trust.
According to DepEd, the commission’s observations are to correct deficiencies and improve government funds’ handling.
In an audit report to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the COA said that due to the lack of internal control measures, P1.02 million in aid was over-distributed, and there was undistributed money in money remittance centers worth P22.4 million.
COA continues audit on spending of COVID funds
The DOLE replied that they did not overpay and that they only deserved compensation to the beneficiaries.
DOLE also told the COA that they would continue to monitor unclaimed financial assistance.
In the Department of Information and Communications Technology audit, the auditors also commented on low fund utilization or underutilized funds.
On the internet in public places and state universities and colleges, there is a P1.4 billion allotment, but the disbursed or released money is only P123 million.
According to the COA, the allocated budget that could have provided services to the public in the midst of the pandemic has not been used properly, especially since students study online.
The COA added that they had not received any response from the DICT.
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