MANILA, Philippines — “Stop the payment of dietary supplement allowance,” the Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered the National Police Commission (Napolcom), saying the vitamin allowance lacks legal basis. “We recommended that management immediately stop the payment of dietary supplement allowance; and henceforth, refrain from paying any form of allowances unless legally authorized,” the audit body said. ADVERTISEMENTIn its annual audit report, the COA said the Napolcom should cease its distribution of P9.09 million in dietary supplement allowance to its officials and employees, including contractual personnel. But the audit body said Napolcom’s AO 402 refers only to a medical checkup program “consisting of procedures that are strictly diagnostic,” and did not provide details for vitamins or dietary supplement benefits. The Napolcom management said it gave the allowance “in good faith,” but that it will cease awarding it based on COA orders.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 11, 2019 21:00 UTC