TAYTAY, Rizal – The Commission on Audit (COA) has instructed the former mayor of this municipality and nine others to return the P11 million deemed disallowed projects.
In three separate orders dated October 7, COA State Auditors IV Marietta F. Paltao and Olivia I. Bautista ordered former Taytay Mayor Janet de Leon and nine other respondents to return or pay back the government over P11 million that was paid to two private contractors of the projects which were found to be sub-standard.
According to COA, the Department of Public Works and Highways even assisted the local government unit [then under former Mayor de Leon] by providing the technical project specifications at par with the quality and safety standards.
Aside from De Leon, COA’s Notice of Finality of Decision is also holding other individuals accountable. They are former Taytay Engineering Officer-in-Charge Aries Borja, Engineering Staff Joel V. De Leon, Zoning Officer Arnel D. Garcia, Bids and Awards Committee chairman Atty. Aderis M. Dela Cruz, BAC members Engr. Edwin Dela Paz, Kathleen DL Ignacio and Illuminada Velasco.
Likewise held liable are the private construction firms referred to in the order as Marrox Trading and Construction, FLS Construction and Builders.
In an ocular inspection, COA and the DPWH infrastructure integrity unit, the projects were found to be way below the government-specified quality and safety standards.
Despite COA-issued Notices of Disallowance covering all three infrastructure projects, the LGU went on to pay Marrox Trading and Construction and FLS Construction and Builders. As if the Notices of Disallowance are not enough, the LGU also over-paid the contractors.
“Accordingly, the above-named persons liable shall pay the above amount immediately to the agency [COA] cashier. Failure to pay the same shall authorize the agency cashier to withhold the payment of salary and other money due the persons liable in accordance with COA Order of Execution to be issued to the agency cashier,” the state auditors orders 10-159, 10-160 and 10-161, reads.
Since eight of the 10 respondents are no longer with the LGU, COA ordered Taytay municipal accountant Carina Arabit to locate and furnish the respondents a copy of the order.
“Being an ex-mayor doesn’t mean they’re no longer liable over anomalies that took place during their incumbency,” the commission stressed.