CLARIFYING reports that error-filled textbooks cost taxpayers P254.4 million, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that as early as March 2019 it has already been working with the Commission on Audit (COA) and submitted its responses to the Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM).
The DepEd also said it already coordinated with COA on the alleged delay in construction of classrooms and alleged undistributed textbooks, among others.
“As part of the reforms initiated under the leadership of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, the Department of Education is intent on further strengthening its financial management system,” the DepEd said in an statement.
The DepEd’s exit conferences and audit engagements with the Commission have been “very positive and reassuring,” added the statement.
“As such, the Department has instituted new polices and is in the process of updating, simplifying, and codifying its internal rules as part of its financial reform efforts,” it added.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said that officials have already reviewed the reported error-filled books. The texbooks, worth P254.4-million, are being used in public schools.
Likewise, COA also called the attention of the agency after it reportedly spent P316.62 million in training programs in what were described as “lavish resorts and tourist spot locations.”
In a radio interview, Sevilla said the amount is “alarming” but assured the public that education officials consider the issues hounding DepEd as “very serious” and that Briones is on top of it.
The DepEd underscored that COA observations — which were issued to the Department as AOMs — are all subject to explanation and justification by the agency concerned.
“It should be noted that audit observations are different from notice of suspension and notice of disallowance. Notice of suspension signifies suspending payment or disbursement until the agency justifies or complies with COA requirements, while notice of disallowance requires an agency to refund/return payment,” it added.
The DepEd also welcomed the planned inquiry at the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“We will appreciate a public process to respond to the issues raised in the COA report,” DepEd said.