COA to Pampanga officials: Return P66.9M bonuses

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Audit (COA) has asked the provincial government of Pampanga to return P66.92 million in cash incentives for exceeding the amount allowed under the law. 

Government auditors found that Pampanga paid a total of P77.368 million in incentives to officials and employees, corresponding to about P40,000 per employee – P35,000 higher than the amount allowed under Executive Order Number 80. 

EO 80 states that government employees may only get a performance enhancement incentive of P5,000 across the board. 

“The excess amount of P35,000 is considered irregular for having been disbursed without adhering to the established law thereon and for being in excess of the P5,000 limit provided therefor. Such being the case, the excess…is disallowed in audit,” the COA said 

Pampanga’s legal officer said the LGU acted in good faith in providing the incentives but COA said rules state that appeals should be filed through a proper motion for reconsideration to the COA Region 3 office. – Rappler.com