The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Department of Tourism (DOT) over questionable fund disbursements totaling P48.832 million in 2024 due to missing or insufficient supporting documents. According to the annual audit report, the DOT central office and regional offices in IV-B, IX, X, and XI were involved. This raises doubts about the propriety of these transactions.
In its 2024 annual audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Department of Tourism (DOT) for questionable disbursements totaling P48,832,191.57. The DOT central office (CO) and regional offices (ROs) in IV-B, IX, X, and XI made these payments for various transactions but failed to provide necessary documents to validate the expenses.
The COA report stated, “The lack of certain documentary requirements in the disbursement totaling P48,832,191.57, paid by the DOT CO and ROs IV-B, IX, X, and XI, led to non-compliance with various accounting, auditing and budgeting laws, rules and regulations and issuances, thereby casting doubt on the propriety of these transactions.”
The largest portion, P39.183 million, came from the central office for alleged payments to “foreign service providers” related to the DOT’s participation and sponsorship in tourism events. Although covered by five disbursement vouchers, these lacked the required certification of availability of funds from the CO’s chief accountant. Additional issues included improper use of budget terminology, lack of details on the source of funds, and absence of Certification of Budget Allotment in project proposals.
Meanwhile, RO IX disbursed P8.826 million for salaries and wages of regular and job order personnel. It also granted Collective Negotiation Agreement incentives of P30,000 each to 13 employees, totaling P388,500, without sufficient supporting documents. RO X procured furniture sets worth P364,200, certified as inspected and accepted despite incomplete delivery and non-compliance. RO IV-B had disbursements of P55,962.52 for repair and maintenance expenses without required documents. Finally, RO XI reimbursed P14,396.45 for travel expenses of three job order personnel, lacking necessary certifications.