The Commission on Audit has flagged the Department of Health for disbursements aggregating P9.97 million, which it deemed "irregular, unnecessary, excessive, and extravagant expenditures."
In its annual report, state auditors found that the DoH had disbursements of P9,964,649 made by eight of its eight operating units in 2022.
The disbursements included payments for athletics, meals, accommodation, and transportation allowances for planning and team-building activities.
The DoH's Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Pototan, Iloilo, accounted for P3.40 million of the total P9.97 million expenditure for out-of-town meetings in hotels and resorts.
"The TRC was not able to use government funds judiciously and prudently," the CoA said, adding the disbursement was not compliant with regulations and budgetary limits.
According to CoA, "the violation of existing laws, rules and regulations exposed the government to wastage of funds and potential disallowances."
CoA asked the DoH to direct its eight operating units to immediately refund the flagged amount. It also told CoA to stop making payments that have no legal basis.