Ombudsman to gov’t workers: Liquidate cash advances in proper, timely manner

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman told government workers on Wednesday to liquidate cash advances in a proper and timely manner.

The anti-graft body’s reminder came after a case was filed against Bogo Water District Human Resources Management Office Section Head Designate Kenneth Robert Metante for violation of the Revised Penal Code’s Article 218 or the failure of an accountable officer to render accounts.

Earlier, the Commission on Audit (COA) released an audit observation memorandum flagging over P2.7-million cash advances that were unliquidated as of the end of 2023. 

Afterward, Bogo Water District General Manager Jose Brainard Mayol filed a complaint — where the case stemmed from — against Metante and former General Manager Houdini Jumao-as.

The unliquidated cash advances include P222,000 received by Jumao-as for training abroad and over P19,000 received by Metante for a tree-planting activity.

According to the Ombudsman, sufficient evidence was found against Metante for failure to render accounts over his lapse in the liquidation. It also pointed out that the cash advance lacked a quotation request.

The anti-graft body, meanwhile, junked the complaints against Jumao-as over insufficient evidence as he presented audit reports backing his compliance.

On top of proper documentation, the Ombudsman reminded government agencies to regularly monitor outstanding cash advances and comply with COA rules as failure by an accountable officer to render accounts may lead to criminal liability.