CoA: P9.93-B OPAPRU spending sans papers

The Commission on Audit (CoA) questioned the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity’s (OPAPRU) inability to liquidate P9.93 billion in funds from various implementing agencies for its projects.

State auditors said that some balances have been left unliquidated for up to 21 years as of December 2025, violating a provision of CoA Circular No. 94-013 which mandates the timely submission of records to support the utilization of funds.

“Within 10 days after the end of each month/end of the agreed period for the Project, the Implementing Agency (IA) shall submit the Report of Checks Issued (RCI) and the Report of Disbursement (RD) to report the utilization of the funds,” the circular reads.

“Only actual project expenses shall be reported. The reports shall be approved by the Head of the IA,” it added.

LGU transfers undocumented

CoA’s annual audit report revealed that a majority of the unliquidated balance came from transfers to Local Government Units (LGUs).

Further review of the implementation of the amounts noted that P8.57 billion was allocated for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Project.

State auditors noted various unliquidated dues from PAMANA initiatives implemented through LGUs, National Government Agencies, and Non-Government Organizations and People’s Organizations.

In the table included in its audit report, the projects with insufficient amounts ranged from 2012 to 2025.

CoA said OPPARU’s continued inability to resolve its issues with liquidating expenses showed a weakness in the agency’s monitoring and follow-up mechanisms.

“Despite prior years’ audit recommendations, substantial balances remained outstanding as of December 31, 2025. The continued non-liquidation of fund transfers and non-return of unutilized balances indicate weakness in the monitoring and follow-up mechanisms established by Management,” the report read.