Achas: COA report may still be justified

Councilor Christian Rustico Achas believes that the interim management of Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) still has 15 days to answer the audit deficiencies flagged by the Commission on Audit.

His manifestation was a response to the special report of Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, who revealed that COA issued an audit observation memorandum (AOM) to the LWUA-appointed officials regarding financial transactions of the local water district.

Cabanlas bared that salaries have been paid despite the absence of documentary requirements and a duplication in payment for workers has been made as the interim board employed an executive secretary even if a sitting official is in place.

Some 390 disbursement vouchers were not yet liquidated, he added.

But Achas maintained that the AOM is not yet a disallowance.

It will become a disallowance if the COWD fails to answer the AOM within 15 days, he explained.

Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Councilor Romeo Calizo suggested that resource persons be invited to clarify the matter in the committee level. (FDCalotes/SP)