COA upholds FDCP's pandemic aid disallowance

The Commission on Audit (COA) upheld its decision to issue notices of disallowances against the Film Development Council of the Philippines' (FDCP) distribution of financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 8, 2021, COA issued notices of disallowances after finding that FDCP had distributed health assistance totaling P476,896.87 to officials and regular employees without clearance from the Department of Budget and Management.

COA also found that P5,000 was given to each contractual and job order employee for food and groceries, amounting to P400,000, which COA classified as 'irregular expenditure' because it was distributed to non-permanent employees without legal authorization.

In its decision dated December 7, 2023, the COA reiterated that granting financial and health care assistance lacked review by the DBM and approval by the President, affirming the disallowances of P400,000 and P476,896.87.

FDCP officials, including former Chairperson Liza Diño and Executive Director Ria Anne Rubia, were held liable for the total amount of P876,896.87 distributed as healthcare, food, and grocery allowances.