Sagay treasurer could face liability over ‘missing’ funds if …

Posted by watchmen
October 7, 2024
Posted in TOP STORIES

By JEN BAYLON

Sagay City treasurer Juvy Pinongan could face criminal liability if she fails to liquidate the allegedly missing P7.3 million Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) intended for local health workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She’s given 30 days to liquidate so that maano niya ang cash nga ginahambal niya,” City Administrator Ryan Bonghanoy said.

The allegedly missing P7.3 million HEA fund was included in the P22 million budget withdrawn by Pinongan from the bank, and was believed to be stored in the vault, Bonghanoy said.

However, the vault at the Sagay City Treasurer’s Office was found to be empty, he added.

Bonghanoy said the decision to open the vault on Friday, October 4, came from Sagay City Mayor Narciso Javelosa, after the City Treasurer’s Office received a demand letter from the Commission on Audit, requiring the submission of a liquidation report for the P22 million fund.

The vault opening was witnessed by Javelosa, Bonghanoy, Pinongan, a legal officer, and a representative from the Commission on Audit.

It can be recalled that Pinongan had been unable to open the vault after allegedly forgetting the combination.

Javelosa ordered the vault to be sealed to ensure it remained untouched until it could be opened by the treasurer.

Despite the incident, Pinongan remains on duty, while the Bureau of Local Government Finance has not yet issued an order regarding her replacement./JB, WDJ

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