The Commission on Audit slammed the Commission on Elections after it noticed that there were still unliquidated cash advances from the expenses it used in the elections held last year.
Based on the annual audit report released by the poll body, it appears that the number of cash advances that have not yet been liquidated by the Commission on Elections will reach Php2.1-billion.
According to the COA, from this amount, Php2.089-billion was given to the Commission in the year 2022, of which Php1.9-billion went to the Comelec Special Disbursing Officers, while Php188.9-billion this is intended for Comelec officers and employees.
COA explained that it can be considered a violation of Presidential Decree 1445 and COA Circular No. 97-002 if the commission has not completed these unliquidated cash advances even though the purpose of such funds has been granted.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudianco confirmed that their commission still has unliquidated cash advances but clarified that until now they are still in the process of liquidating them.
He said the remaining unliquidated cash advances may reach more than Php717-million by the time they finish liquidating it.
He also said that the Comelec will continue to communicate with the COA regarding this.
