AOM 2023-001 Uguis
AOM 2023-001 Uguis
AOM 2023-001 Uguis
COMMISSION ON AUDIT
REGIONAL OFFICE NO. VIII
LGAS C – Leyte II and Biliran Province
Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO)
Baybay City, Leyte
Rodulfo S. Loreto
Municipal Accountant
We have audited some of the Barangay transactions for Calendar Years 2019,
2020 and 2021 and 2022 and observed the following deficiencies:
1. The accuracy, existence and valuation of all properties of the barangay under
Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) amounting to ₱3,926,844.76 as of
December 31, 2022, continued to be unconfirmed due to a) non-conduct of
physical count of its properties for the past 10 years; b) not detailed PPE
Ledger Cards; c) non-maintenance of Property Cards by the Designated
Property Custodian, contrary to Item 7.2.5, Chapter VII of Manual on the
Financial Management of Barangays and other pertinent COA rules and
regulations.
1.2. Likewise, Item 2.1.6 of COA Circular No. 2010-001 requires the Accountants to
submit subsidiary schedules of general ledger accounts, on or before February 14
of each year.
1.3. The Statement of Financial Position for CY 2022 of Barangay Uguis reflected a
total amount of ₱3,926,844.76 properties under Property, Plant and Equipment
(PPE) account. The details are shown in Table 1.
1.4. However, an inventory report has not been provided to the Audit Team, and the
Barangay has consistently failed to submit one over the last decade.
Consequently, the accuracy of all the listed Barangay properties in Table 1
remains uncertain.
1.6. During the audit, the Barangay Treasurer informed the Audit Team that no Report
on Inventory of Property and Equipment (RIPE) has been prepared due to the
absence of an Inventory Team to conduct the physical count of barangay
properties and Property Custodian to maintain property records. Also, it was
disclosed that their equipment were not labeled with Property Tags, hence, some
procured equipment were difficult to trace.
1.7. This observation was consistently included in the Audit Report on Barangay
(ARB) Uguis since CY 2013 or for the past 10 years. The continued failure of the
barangay officials to implement the audit recommendations manifests a complete
disregard of the rules on property management and other relevant laws and
regulations. This is despite the seminar conducted by COA to all barangay
officials on the adoption of the Barangay Financial Management Manual wherein
the RIPE was first introduced.
1.8. The RIPE is intended to confirm the existence of the reported assets in the books
of the Barangay and validate whether these assets are within the vicinity of the
same or in its designated location. Without the RIPE, the amount in the books
cannot be substantiated while the existence of the properties cannot be confirmed.
Losses, damages or unserviceable properties will not be detected and the persons
liable for such losses may not be held accountable thereof.
1.9. Due to the above mentioned deficiencies, the accuracy, existence and reliability of
the PPE accounts cannot be confirmed which will affect the fair presentation of
the Barangay’s assets in its Financial Statements.
1.11. We also recommend that the Barangay Treasurer as the Property Officer
Designate to:
1.13. Lastly, we recommend that the Barangay Treasurer as the Property Officer-
Designate and the Municipal Accountant should periodically reconcile their
respective records so as to establish a more reliable PPE balance.
Cash in Bank
2.0. Section 111 (2) of PD 1445 provides that the highest standards of honesty,
objectivity and consistency shall be observed in the keeping of accounts to
safeguard against inaccurate or misleading information.
2.1. Pertinent provision of COA Circular No. 96-011 dated October 2, 1996, provide:
Section 3.2 The Local Accountants shall within ten (10) days from
receipt of the Bank Statements (BS), reconcile the same BS with
the General Ledgers (GL) and prepare the BRS in five (5) copies.
2.2. The Financial Statements of the Barangay showed that the Cash in Bank-LCCA
has a total balance of ₱1,282,215.09 as of yearend. However, no Bank
Reconciliation Statements were prepared and submitted by the Municipal
Accountant for CY 2022.
2.5. We also recommend that the Municipal Accountant prepare and submit the
BRS of the Barangay within 10 days from receipt of Bank Statements in
order to have a reliable Cash in Bank Balance.
3.0. The Cash - Local Treasury account was overstated by ₱38,222.08 due to
over/under recording of collections, non-recording of various deposits and
uncorrected unreconciled beginning balance between the cash examination
report and the general ledger, contrary to the provision of Section 111 of PD
1445 and Section 3.3 of COA Circular No. 96-011 dated October 2, 1996.
3.1. Section 111 (2) of PD 1445 provides that the highest standards of honesty,
objectivity and consistency shall be observed in the keeping of accounts to
safeguard against inaccurate or misleading information.
3.2. For CY 2022, the Barangay has Cash in Treasury account balance of ₱41,612.08
in its Financial Position. However, review on the submitted General Ledger and
Journals for CY 2022 versus the conduct of cash examination disclosed that the
balance should have been ₱3,390.00 as of December 31, 2022. The outstanding
balance was due to over/under recording of collections, over/under recording of
deposits and non-recording of deposits for CYs 2020 to 2022 and non-adjustment
of beginning balance of Cash in Treasury which should have been (₱80.00) , per
cash examination conducted last July 31, 2023. Details are shown in table 2.
Table 2. Corrections in the Cash in Treasury Account
Amount
Date Particulars Addition
(Deduction)
Under recording of collections, per ledger,
April 2020 2,700.00, per audit, 4,230.00 1,530.00
Under recording of collections, per ledger,
June 2020 1,870.00, per audit, 1,900.00 30.00
Dec 2020 Unrecorded deposit (640.00)
3.3. The amount of (₱80.00) should have been the beginning balance of Cash in
Treasury on January 2020 per the conduct of Cash Examination of the auditor on
July 31, 2023 as follows:
4.0. The reports on the distribution of various relief goods with an aggregate
amount of ₱243,850.00 to the families/household affected by calamities were
not properly documented, while the related expense were erroneously
recorded as Food Supplies Expense instead of Welfare Goods for Distribution
upon initial recording and Welfare Goods Expense upon distribution,
contrary to Sections 2 and 4 of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1445 and COA
Circular No. 2015-009 dated December 1, 2015, , thus, the propriety of the
program could not be ascertained while the accounts Welfare Goods Expense
and Food Supplies Expense were misstated as at year end.
“It is the declared policy of the State that all resources of the
government shall be managed, expended or utilized in accordance
with law and regulations, and safeguard against loss or wastage
through illegal or improper disposition, with a view to ensuring
efficiency, economy and effectiveness in the operations of
government. The responsibility to take care that such policy is
faithfully adhered to rests directly with the chief or head of the
government agency concerned.”
4.2. While Section 4 of P.D. 1445 provides, that financial transactions and operations
of any government agency shall be governed by certain fundamental principles.
Paragraph 6, thereof, states that claims against government funds shall be
supported with complete documentation.
4.3. Moreover, COA Circular No. 2015-009 dated December 1, 2015 prescribed the
Revised Chart of Accounts for LGUs to conform with the adoption of the Phil.
Public Sector Accounting Standard (PPSAS). On recording of expenses, the
following accounts were prescribed to be used by LGUs:
This account is used to record the cost of goods for distribution to people affected
by calamities/disasters/ground conflicts such as canned goods, blankets, mats,
kitchen utensils, flashlights and other similar items. Credit this account for
issuance to end-users, transfers or write-down.
Welfare Goods Expenses
5-02-03-060
Debit
4.5. Perusal of the submitted documents related to the distribution of the purchased
relief goods revealed that no distribution reports was submitted for the
procurement totaling ₱ 117,600.00 while the distribution reports submitted for
the procured goods totaling ₱126,250.00 do not contain information as to the
quantity of such goods received by the affected beneficiaries.
4.7. The improper documentation on the distribution of the relief goods casts doubts
on the regularity and even existence of the program which aims to provide relief
of the affected families, while the erroneous entry of expense resulted in an
overstatement of Food Supplies Expense by ₱243,850.00 and an understatement
of the Welfare Goods Expense by the same amount.
4.8. We recommend that the Punong Barangay submit the reports on the
distribution of relief goods with complete details such as the name of the
beneficiary, signature and the items and quantity received.
4.9. We also recommend the Bookkeeper to record issuances of relief goods not as
Food Supplies Expense but as Welfare Goods Expense.
5.1. COA Circular 2012-002 dated September 12, 2012 was issued to prescribe
accounting and reporting guidelines for the LDRRMF of LGUs (including
BLGUs) and NDRRMF given to LGUs and Receipts from other sources.
5.2. Whereas, Section 5.1.16 of the same Circular states “The amount and details of
the unexpended balance of LDRRMF shall be discussed in the Notes to Financial
Statements”. A sample of disclosure was attached as Annex D of the same
circular as shown below:
Annex D
Notes to the Financial Statements
The LDRRMF represents the amount set aside by the LGU to support its
disaster risk management activities pursuant to R.A No.10121, otherwise known
as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.The
5.4. As can be seen in Table 5, the Barangay Local Government Unit of Tagaytay,
Mahaplag, Leyte has still a significant amount of BDDRMF balance of
₱138,276.75 as of December 31, 2022. However, review of the Notes to
Financial Statements disclosed that the amount and details of the unexpended
balance of LDRRMF were not discussed.
Utilization of BDRRMF
6.2. Section 5.1.2 of COA Circular 2012-002 states that, a Local Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Fund Investment Plan (LDRRMFIP) for the DRRM
program shall be prepared annually. It shall present the 30% allocation for QRF in
lump sum and the allocation for disaster mitigation, prevention and preparedness
with details as to projects and activities to be funded. The LDRRMFIP shall also
include under a separate caption, the list of projects and activities charged to the
unexpended LDRRMF of previous years.
6.3. Section 5.1.3.2 of the same circular states that the release and use of LDRRMF
shall be supported by LDRRMFIP for projects and activities listed in the
approved plan as incorporated in the local development plan and annual work
and financial plan.
6.4. For CY 2019-2022, the Barangay has a total appropriation of ₱417,989.25 (see
details in table 5, finding no. 5) for its BDRRMF including previous years
balance. It was, however, noted that a Work and Financial Plan was prepared
annually and not the prescribed BDRRMFIP. The said document lacks
information on the Functional Classification (Gen. Public Services, Health,
H o u s i n g , Community Development); Schedule of Implementation (Starting
Date & Completion Date); Amount of Appropriation and classification whether
MOOE or Capital Outlay.
6.7. We recommend that the BDRRMO, through the Punong Barangay, convene
the LDRRM Council and prepare the LDRRMFIP which also includes PPAs
to be paid from previous years unexpended DRRMF annually as basis for
the use of the LDRRMF based on the priority programs, projects and
activities included in COA Circular 2012-002.
6.8. We also recommend that the Punong Barangay, the Chairman Committee on
Appropriation, and the Barangay Treasurer stop processing disbursements
from LDRRMF without the approved LDRRMFIP.
7.0. No funds were appropriated in the CY 2019 to 2022 budget of the barangay
for the implementation of programs, projects and activities for the protection
AOM No. 2023-001 Brgy. Uguis, Mahaplag, Leyte Page 12 of 18
of children, contrary to Republic Act No. 9344, thus protection of children’s
rights within the barangay is not strengthened.
7.1. Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006) adopts as a
policy the protection of the interests of children and promotes their physical,
moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. The Act also recognizes the
rights of children to assistance, proper care and nutrition and special protection
from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation, and other conditions
prejudicial to their development.
7.2. Section 15 of the said Act mandates the creation of Local Councils for the
Protection of Children (LCPC) in all levels of local government. It provides
further that 1% of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of barangays,
municipalities and cities, shall be allocated for the strengthening and
implementation of the LCPC.
7.3. Our perusal of the Annual Budget of the barangay disclosed that no funds were
appropriated for the implementation of programs, projects and activities (PPA)
intended for the Council for the protection and well-being of children although the
barangay has established and created their own LCPC. Based on the estimated
IRA for the noted budget years, the following could have been appropriated for
LCPC programs and activities:
7.4. Without the necessary budget and plan, the rights, interest and well-being of the
children in the barangay will not be protected, established and strengthened.
7.5. We recommend that the Punong Barangay include in its annual budget an
appropriation equivalent to 1% of its IRA intended for the protection and
welfare of the children in the barangay, identify and implement the
programs, projects and activities using the said fund pursuant to RA 9344.
8.0. No funds were appropriated for programs and projects for Senior Citizens
and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in CY 2019 to 2022 which should be 1%
of the barangay’s IRA, contrary to DBM and DSWD Joint Circular No.
AOM No. 2023-001 Brgy. Uguis, Mahaplag, Leyte Page 13 of 18
2003-01 dated April 28, 2003, thus depriving the elderly citizens in the
barangay the full benefits of the programs due them.
8.1. DBM-DSWD Joint Circular No. 2003-001 dated April 28, 2003 was issued to
prescribe guidelines for the implementation of Section 29 of the General
Appropriations Act of 2003 which states that the plans, programs and projects
intended to address the concerns of senior citizens and persons with disability
shall be integrated in the regular activities of the agencies. Sections 4.2 and 4.3
thereof directs all government agencies, departments, bureaus, offices,
commissions and state universities and colleges to allocate at least one percent
(1%) of their respective budget to be utilized in the implementation of
programs/projects/activities/services which will address the needs of older persons
and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
8.2. Our perusal of the Annual Budgets of the barangay disclosed that no funds were
appropriated for Senior Citizens and PWDs programs and activities for the
periods CY 2019, CY 2020, 2021 & CY 2022 as shown in Table 8.
8.3. Without the necessary appropriation sanctioned by law, the elderly citizens and
PWDs of the barangay are deprived of the benefits of the programs, which could
have been financed from the said amount.
8.4. We recommend that the Punong Barangay and its Council appropriate funds
in its annual budget for programs and projects benefitting Senior Citizens
and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at an amount of no less than 1% of the
annual IRA as required by the Expanded Senior Citizen Act, R.A. No. 9994.
9.2. Moreover, section 5.1.4 of the same handbook provides that upon receipt of the
monthly internal revenue allotment (IRA) of the barangay, the Punong Barangay
shall automatically release not later than five (5) working days without further
delay the share of the SK equivalent to ten percent of the general fund of the
barangay by issuing check in the name of the SK for deposit to the latter’s bank
account.
9.3. In addition, section 4.6 of P.D.1445 states that Claims against government funds
shall be supported with complete documentation.
9.4. For CY 2019-2022, the Barangay has released a total of ₱784,804.34.00 of the
10% SK share. However, as of to date, shares totaling ₱41,716.06 were still not
released to the SK as required by the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National
Youth Commission (NYC) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, s. 2019
dated January 23, 2019). Details is shown in tables 9 and 10.
9.5. Moreover, it was disclosed that though the barangay has released some of the SK
shares for 2019 and 2021, it was not made monthly or within the prescribed
period which is not later than five (5) working days upon receipt of the monthly
internal revenue allotment (IRA) of the barangay as it were released in lump sum
as can be seen in table 9.
9.6. Furthermore, the said releases were not supported with Official Receipts issued by
the Sangguniang Kabataan Treasurer. In an interview with the Municipal
Accountant, the SK officials may not still be aware that their receipts of 10%
shares should be supported with official receipts and that they are yet to attended
the seminar on the Handbook on the Financial Transactions of the Sangguniang
Kabataan conducted by the Commission in which such policy is one of the
highlights to be discussed.
9.7. The delayed and non-release of SK shares exposes the risk of the fund being used
for other purposes while the Official Receipts issued by the SK Treasurer would
have supported the disbursements made by the barangay as proof of receipt by the
SK.
9.8. We recommend that the Barangay release the unreleased SK shares totaling
₱41,716.06 and ask for Official Receipt from SK Treasurer as their proof of
receipt and for future SK shares to be automatically released not later than
five (5) working days without further delay upon receipt of the monthly IRA
of the barangay.
May we have your comments on the foregoing audit observations within five (5)
calendar days from receipt hereof.
AOM No. 2023-001 Brgy. Uguis, Mahaplag, Leyte Page 16 of 18
MA. SHIELA T. ELMIDO
State Auditor II
OIC- Audit Team Leader
SANTIAGO P. SEÑASE
State Auditor IV
OIC-Supervising Auditor