Sulu officials’ ‘epal’ signs on gov’t projects draw COA’s ire

MANILA, Philippines – Provincial officials from Sulu may be in hot water for unnecessarily putting their names and faces on signs of government projects, according to the provincial office of the Commission on Audit (COA). 

In a 2015 audit report by COA released on Wednesday, November 23, the Commission issued a warning to Sulu provincial officials that self-promotion is a violation of a standing policy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and audit rules.

The report added that the previous practice of politicians to attach their name, image, logo, or initials on signs of government projects may be considered an unlawful use of public funds. 

“The provincial government of Sulu had been practically putting up billboards, signboard and tarpaulins on various project sites of the province, bearing the pictures, names and initials of various PGO-Sulu officials contrary to COA Circular No. 2013-004 dated January 30, 2013…(and) DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101 dated September 23, 2010,” the report stated.

The officials were ordered to stop the practice of self-promotion, including putting their names on stickers and tarpaulins and distributing souvenir items with the politician’s name or initials. 

The report also questioned the charging of undocumented expenses against the province’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund (LDRRMF). Under the law, the LDRRMF can only be used during times of calamities, specifically for disaster preparedness and response expenses. 

COA said the undocumented expenses, if not justified, will result in a notice of disallowance. This will require the signatories to reimburse the expense back to the government. – Rappler.com