ANGONO, Rizal – Taking cue from the recommendation of the Commission on Audit (COA), the local council suspended a barangay chairman over unauthorized withdrawals amounting to over P8 million of barangay funds in just a matter of three months.
Based on the resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan, Barangay Chairman Fortunato Flojo was slapped with a four-month suspension without pay in an apparent bid to allow the state auditor to examine the financial standing of the Barangay San Isidro, which was reportedly left with a miserable P6,000 funds days after the suspension order took effect.
In a statement issued by the local council, the suspension emanated from a five-page Notice of Disallowance issued by COA covering checks issued in the second quarter of 2021. According to COA, some P8.166 million had been withdrawn by Flojo and Barangay Treasurer Benna Segotier at the Land Bank of the Philippines in Binangonan, Rizal from September 2021 to November in the same year.
Aside from Flojo, COA also recommended the filing of charges against the barangay treasurer and accountant who are believed to be accomplices in the crime.
As reviewed by the COA, the 138 checks with a total of P8.166 million have been encashed without disbursement vouchers which is required under existing rules covering government procurement and disbursements.
metrosundaily
