Poa: COA yet to reverse clearance of DepEd's P75-M confi fund spending in 2023

Defense counsel and former undersecretary Michael Poa said Wednesday the Commission on Audit (COA) has yet to reverse its decision clearing the Department of Education's (DepEd) P75-million confidential fund spending for the first two quarters of 2023.

Poa made the testimony during the cross examination of lead defense counsel Sheila Sison on Day 21 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, who served at the helm of the DepEd when the confidential funds in question were disbursed.

Sison asked Poa if he was aware of efforts or moves from COA to reconsider the credit notice or clearance on DepEd's P75-million confidential fund spending in 2023.

Poa replied: "As far as I'm aware, none at the moment."

Likewise, Poa also testified that COA did not issue a notice of suspension and notice of disallowance on DepEd's confidential funds spending from first to third quarter.

During the re-cross examination of private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr., Poa was asked if the credit notice issued by the COA on the P75 million changes the testimony of two military officials that the certifications that the DepEd used to liquidate P15 million out of the P75 million confidential fund spending does cover the DepEd’s confidential fund spending.

Tolosa was referring to earlier testimonies of Army Colonels Maranos Boransing II and Magtanggol Panopio on Tuesday before the Senate impeachment court, who said that their certifications requested them by then-DepEd undersecretary Nolasco Mempin were merely for attendance and conduct of seminars for the youth.

"All of these matters are not changed just because a credit notice was issued, correct, sir?" Tolosa asked.

Poa replied, "Correct." — VDV, GMA News