AFP addresses COA findings on bank accounts, cash

AFP addresses COA findings on bank accounts, cash | Daily Tribune

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to governing policies in the management of public funds.

The statement came after reports that the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the AFP for the unauthorized maintenance of six bank accounts with a total balance of P72.86 million, as well as unliquidated cash advances amounting to P201.86 million as of the end of 2024.

“We acknowledge the Commission on Audit’s findings on P201.86 million in unliquidated cash advances and P72.86 million in unauthorized bank accounts, and view these as part of a constructive process that strengthens governance and financial discipline,” the AFP said in a statement sent to DAILY TRIBUNE.

On the issue of unliquidated cash advances, the AFP said that through the AFP Accounting Center, and in coordination with the AFP Finance Center, it has implemented corrective measures. These include the withholding of salaries of accountable officers, the issuance of demand letters, and the pursuit of administrative and legal remedies to recover outstanding obligations.

The military said efforts are also underway to track accountable officers who are no longer in active service and to recover public funds in full compliance with COA directives.

Regarding the unauthorized bank accounts, the AFP said it has taken decisive steps to regularize and close those cited in the audit. The AFP Medical Center has closed the account for the PCSO Endowment Fund, the Presidential Security Command has completed the closure of its two accounts, and the Eastern Mindanao Command has undertaken corrective actions to ensure full compliance with government financial policies.

“Beyond addressing these findings, the AFP continues to strengthen its financial systems, internal controls, and accountability mechanisms to prevent recurrence and sustain reforms, while ensuring uninterrupted support to the welfare and well-being of its personnel,” the statement read.

“Good governance remains central to the AFP’s mandate. We remain steadfast in cooperating with oversight bodies and in continuously improving our practices in the best interest of our soldiers and the Filipino people,” it added.