Statement of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza on the COA notice of disallowance

I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR COA DISALLOWED PAYMENTS TO MEDCO EMPLOYEES SOME 10 YEARS AGO.

Today while here in Rome for peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF, I received information that the Commission on Audit ruled with finality the disallowance of some disbursements done while I was still head of a Mindanao agency more than 10 years ago.

Sometime from 2001 to 2004, while chairman of MEDCO (Mindanao Economic Development Council), the finance department recommended to me to release P456,000 as staple food assistance and P540,000 as amelioration allowance to officials and employees during the Christmas season or year-end, (if my memory is correct). This was to augment their meager pay and to give them incentives for a year’s good performance.

I now clearly recall I asked then finance division head (now retired) Ms. Perla Pandan and the executive committee officials as to whether this was allowed under the rules and they assured me this was okay. Then I asked what would be the consequence if this was later disallowed by COA, I was told all the recipients had to return what they received. I was told this was communicated to the whole staff. In fact, I now recall I even directed the finance division to get a written undertaking from the employees that they would return the amount they received if later on required to do so.

Subsequently, while still at MEDCO, I was informed that indeed the COA disallowed the disbursements. I promptly returned the amount I personally received. I even wrote an official letter in doing so and I received an official receipt acknowledging the return of the amount. But to further protect the employees and the staff who would find it difficult to return theirs, I authorized the move to seek reconsideration of the COA ruling.

Today, I was informed that COA with finality, denied MEDCO’s appeal and ruled that I together with other MEDCO officials are liable for the illegal release.

As sole approving authority, I personally take FULL responsibility and spare the other employees/officials from liability as ruled by COA. Although I already returned what I personally received myself while still at MEDCO years ago, I will promptly return the remaining total amount due from my own personal funds immediately upon my return to the country.