COA asks DOTC to explain missing computers worth P65.75M

The Commission of Audit wants the Department Transportation and Communications to explain the "mysterious" disappearance of over 700 units of computers donated by some lawmakers using their Priority Development Funds, popularly known as "pork barrel."

A recent COA report indicated the computer units, worth P65.75 million, were supposed to be delivered as donations to several schools, municipalities and barangays identified by some members of the House of Representatives as beneficiaries.

Also, the report said auditors had begun to suspect an irregularity upon discovering the invoice-receipt of equipment for the computers were signed or received by only one person who was not even identified by donors.

It also said there was lack of acknowledgment receipts as proof that the computers were actually delivered to beneficiaries and discrepancies in the recorded serial numbers of the computer units.

The COA said it has required the DOTC, now under Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, to inquire with the beneficiaries regarding the donated computers.

COA's report on the discovery of the "missing" computers covered Calendar Year 2011. At the time, the DOTC was under Secretaries Jose De Jesus (June 2010 to July 2011) and Mar Roxas (July 2011 to October 18, 2012).

Moreover, auditors were also surprised to find that the DOTC has already dropped the transaction from its books of accounts amid doubts on actual delivery of computer units.

Among the computer donors were Reps. Mat Defensor Jr.  (Quezon City) who gave P49.25 million; Victor Agbayani (Pangasinan), P4 million;  Rene Velarde (Pampanga) and Albert Garcia (Bataan), P3 million; Crispin Remulla (Cavite), P3 million; Rufus Rodriguez (CDO City), P1.97 million; Darlene Custodio (Gensan City), P1.97 million; Fredenil Castro, P1.98 million; and Junie Cua (Quirino), P589,824, the COA report indicated.

In a later interview with GMA News Online, an official of the DOTC's media office said: "We only just found out that subject. We will have to look into that." — with a report from Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA News