ILOILO CITY—Efforts to improve lives in Iloilo hit a snag after the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Iloilo Provincial Government for delayed projects and the Iloilo City Government for unliquidated cash advances.
Both reports highlight the need for transparency and efficiency in public fund management to ensure intended benefits reach communities.
The COA identified delays in 68 development projects funded under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
While the provincial government completed 92 infrastructure projects using P523.1 million of the P720 million allocated in 2021, P130.4 million remains unspent, according to state auditors.
The COA said of the identified delayed projects, 38 are operational; seven are partially operational; and 23 remain non-operational.
These projects include farm-to-market roads, health stations, school buildings, evacuation centers, and agricultural and COVID-19-related programs—many located in upland areas of Miagao, Leon, and Tubungan.
In response, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. committed to addressing the COA’s recommendations. He assured strict monitoring of the 42 unfinished projects, funded through the 2023 Supplemental Budget, with engineering assessments and updates due by April 2024.
“We are dedicated to ensuring these projects benefit their intended communities,” Defensor said.
The COA also flagged the Iloilo City Government for its unliquidated cash advances worth P2.123 million as of December 31, 2023. Of this, 99.69 percent or P2.116 million remains overdue, with some dating back to 2012.
Violations of COA Circular No. 97-002 were noted, which mandate prompt liquidation of cash advances to ensure proper fund utilization. Failure to comply raises concerns about transparency and accountability in financial management.
Iloilo City cited the following as reasons for delays: unclaimed prizes from year-end programs; errors in plane tickets requiring travel agency certification; and delays in corrections and advice from the accounting office.
The city government has issued demand letters to accountable officers and heirs of deceased officers with long-outstanding balances. Steps are underway to resolve issues, including requests for write-offs where applicable.