KAWIT, Cavite – A Commission on Audit (COA) report has uncovered significant irregularities in the disbursement of COVID-19 funds by the local government of Kawit, Cavite, raising concerns about compliance with procurement regulations.

The audit, which covered the period from March to December 2020, found that the municipality spent 67.8 million pesos on goods and services related to COVID-19 operations.

While this expenditure was made under emergency procurement rules authorized by Republic Act No. 11469, the Report said, the audit revealed substantial non-compliance with documentary requirements.

According to the report, numerous disbursement vouchers lacked essential documents mandated by Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular No. 01-2020.

Missing items included Omnibus Sworn Statements, Business or Mayor’s Permits, and Income Tax Returns, COA found.

In some cases, purchase orders, requests, price quotations, and delivery receipts were also absent, COA discovered

The audit team noted that many supporting documents were either improperly filled out or lacked required signatures.

According to COA, the non-compliance by LGU Kawit under the administration of Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo has cast doubt on the validity and completeness of the recorded transactions, potentially violating Sections 4.5 and 4.6 of Presidential Decree No. 1445, which emphasize the need for complete documentation in government fund disbursements.

The COA’s findings highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in emergency spending during the pandemic.

Local government officials in Kawit have not yet commented on the audit results.

The revelations come amid broader scrutiny of COVID-19 fund management across the Philippines, as the country continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the pandemic.