CoA queries P93-M Bicol balloon show

State auditors identified insufficient liquidation documents from the Department of Tourism (DoT) for the Bicol Loco Hot Air Balloon Festival, which cost P93.11 million in public funds.

In its annual audit report released on 30 September, the Commission on Audit (CoA) found that DoT’s Region V office recorded the liquidation of the fund transfer to the City Government of Legazpi despite lacking the required documents.

CoA said Legazpi’s local government unit failed to submit a terminal report, contrary to the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed for the event.

“The LGU-Legazpi shall submit to the DoT RO V an audited Liquidation and Terminal report within 60 days upon the completion of the project and shall return/refund any unutilized funds,” the memorandum read.

Long lag

It was further noted that even the liquidation documents from Legazpi were delayed in submission, noting that the event took place between 14 and 16 June 2025, while the documents were furnished to the DoT office on 12 December.