COA to brief House on DOH COVID-19 fund deficiencies

State auditors from the Commission on Audit (COA) will brief the House of Representatives on Tuesday, August 17, regarding deficiencies found in the Department of Health's (DOH) utilization of P67.32 billion in COVID-19 funds.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco requested the briefing to clarify facts from COA regarding funds allocated under the Bayanihan laws, ensuring they were spent wisely and effectively.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was urged by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez to attend the hearing and explain the alleged deficiencies.

Rodriguez stated that attending the hearing would be Duque's opportunity to explain the alleged deficiencies, as he has vowed to account for all funds and denied any corruption.

The COA's 2020 annual audit report, publicly released on August 11, described the misuse of funds by the DOH as "non-compliance (with) pertinent laws, rules, and regulations."

Specifically, P42.41 billion were transferred to implementing partner agencies without a memorandum of agreement and other supporting documents.

The DOH maintains that all funds are accounted for and is actively addressing the identified compliance issues and deficiencies, with no funds wasted, according to Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega.

The inquiry, presided over by Representative Jose 'Bonito' Singson Jr., will also include scrutiny of the Philippine International Trading Corporation's (PITC) handling of over P11 billion in government money since 2017.