MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the municipal government of Bamban, Tarlac, under then-Mayor Alice Guo, for failing to submit P2.62 million worth of cash advance vouchers for confidential funds on time in 2023.
According to the COA report released this month, the vouchers for cash advances granted during the last three quarters of 2023 were submitted one to three months past the mandated seven-day deadline. This requirement is outlined in Joint Circular No. 2015-01, issued by COA and other government agencies.
Intended Purpose of Confidential Funds
The confidential funds (CF) represent lump-sum allocations designated to cover surveillance-related expenses in civilian government agencies, aimed at bolstering their mandate and operations.
The COA emphasized the need for timely submission of these vouchers, complete with supporting documents, to ensure compliance and transparency.
Recommendations and Response
The commission recommended that Bamban’s special disbursing officer and municipal accountant ensure strict adherence to the seven-day submission rule. In response, the municipal government attributed the delays to “miscommunication in the accounting office.” Acting Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, who replaced Guo in August 2024, assured the COA that they would adhere to the prescribed guidelines moving forward.
Alice Guo’s Legal Troubles
Alice Guo, who served as Bamban’s mayor from June 2022 to August 2024, is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail. She faces multiple charges, including graft, human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, as well as allegations of ties to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bamban.
Guo was dismissed from office earlier this year amid these controversies. Congress is also conducting an investigation into her alleged links to POGOs.