DOST-PCIEERD’s overpayment of allowances to work from home staff flagged

State auditors have questioned the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD)’s release of hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances to work from home employees.

In its latest audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the PCIEERD, a council under the Department of Science and Technology, released more than P2.2 million worth of allowances to employees “working in the comfort of their homes.”

The COA found that the PCIEERD overpaid hazard allowances by P658,467.56 due to payments made to employees working from home or on study leave, as well as discrepancies in records on the number of days an employee reported for work.

State auditors pointed out that “hazard allowance may be granted only during actual exposure to hazards and hardships. Hence, employees working from home shall not be allowed to receive any hazard allowance.”

The COA also flagged overpayments of subsistence allowance (SA) totaling P1,356,099.81 and laundry allowance (LA) worth P232,840.88.

State auditors explained that the SA is only for personnel required to render services in person, while the LA is only for staff required to wear personal protective clothing while on duty.

“It is clearly stated that SALA may be given to employees who reported to the office. Hence, no SALA payment is allowed for employees working from home,” they stressed.

The COA said the PCIEERD management agreed with its recommendation to submit a valid explanation on why the overpayments should not be refunded by the concerned employees. Otherwise, a Notice of Disallowance would be issued.

The PCIEERD said its explanation and reply to the COA’s observations is currently being referred to its legal adviser. -MDM, GMA News