The Ilocos Norte government under Gov. By using cash advances, the Ilocos Norte officials did not comply with auditing rules, “exposing the money to possible misappropriation,” the COA said in an audit observation memorandum dated Jan. 8, 2013. On June 19, the COA submitted documents related to the transactions to the House committee on good government and public accountability, which was investigating the vehicle purchases that led to the detention of six Ilocos Norte officials. In her letter to the committee chaired by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, the COA’s audit team leader from Ilocos Norte, Vicenta dela Cruz, listed down and provided details on five procurement deals made by the Ilocos Norte government from July to December 2012. On July 18, 2012, a cash advance of P4.838 million was made to Joseph Castro for materials and precast concrete for Paseo de Paoay.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 14, 2017 23:26 UTC