An opposition lawmaker has sought a congressional probe on the P1.23-billion funding for college scholarships in 2014 that were not spent by the Commission on Higher Education, saying this may constitute “gross negligence.”
Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said based on Commission on Audit’s 2014 annual audit report, at least P1.23 billion out of the total P5.2-billion fund for college scholarships, grants-in-aid, and study-now, pay-later loans remained unspent because of Ched’s low absorptive capacity.
CoA also noted several irregularities in the disbursement of the scholarship fund, including unliquidated cash advances, ineffective monitoring, and other operational lapses that resulted in “internal control weaknesses in the processing and releasing of claims.”
“While many of our students and their families go to extreme lengths just to pay matriculation, here is Ched—awash in government funds yet unable to properly perform its mandate,” said Ridon, a member of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.
Ched’s Student Financial Assistance Programs ranges from P15,000 to P30,000 per academic year.
Ridon asked Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, chairman of the House panel, to conduct a motu propio hearing next week.
“Congress needs to see whether there has been gross negligence committed by CHED officials that resulted to this deplorable situation. This is important, as the Stufap remains to be one of the highly funded programs of the said commission,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ridon demanded a separate congressional inquiry into the P3.13-billion funding that Ched received through the Disbursement Acceleration Program which remained unliquidated until now.
COA said the said funds were meant to upgrade infrastructure in state universities and colleges, and fund grants-in-aid programs and researches.
“Where did these funds go? Why have these funds remain unliquidated? Clearly, there is something fishy going on. Congress needs to look into this matter, and see whether criminal acts – even corruption – has transpired. We are particularly concerned since these monies come from the controversial DAP,” Ridon said.