CoA flags Sarangani LGU for P15-M vehicle purchase

The Commission on Audit (CoA) has flagged the P15.8 million vehicle purchases made by the Municipal Government of Glan in Sarangani province in 2023, deeming them irregular due to the lack of required approval from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

According to COA's 2023 audit report, the procurement of various vehicles, including a Mitsubishi Strada, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hiace, and four Toyota Hilux units, did not comply with CoA Circular No. 2012-003, which mandates prior authorization from DILG for such purchases.

CoA stated that the failure to obtain the necessary approval rendered the expenditures irregular and requested the Glan local government to explain the oversight. In response, Glan officials defended the purchases, arguing that the vehicles were essential for enhancing public service and supporting programs like the “Munisipyo sa Barangay” initiative.

They claimed they were unaware of the DILG's approval requirement.

CoA has instructed the municipal government to submit a formal justification for bypassing the approval process.

Glan town Mayor Victor James Yap has not yet commented on the CoA audit.