President Eden Chua Pineda

On the 43rd Regular Session that was conducted last September 30, 2020, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a Supplemental AIP for CY 2020 in the amount of P127,533,414.24 for Tacloban COVID-19 Disaster Preparedness, Response & Mitigation Program. The P69,559,973.95 of this fund was disbursed without Supplemental Budget and prior approval of Sangguniang Panlungsod that caused the Audit Observation Memorandum No. 2021-005 issued by the Commission on Audit to the Local Chief Executive.

The remaining amount of P57,973,440.29 were used to implement projects which were included in the original AIP but which amount were among those reprogramed or realigned for COVID-19 related expenses.

On the 75th Regular Session of the 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod, a request for an approval of a Resolution Amending CDC-EC Resolution 2021-01 Detailing the specific COVID-19 Related Program/Projects and Activities amounting P69,559,973.95 and Supplemental Budget No. 4 for Fiscal Year 2020 were submitted to the August Body to comply after receiving the AOM No. 2021-005.

This Supplemetal Budget should have been submitted and approved on the Fiscal Year 2020 to cover the Annual Budget for the same Fiscal Year.

However, the alloted amount was already disbursed before they prepared the Supplemental Budget and is 6 months late from the end of the Fiscal year which is December 31, 2020.

"An Appropriation Ordinance should be passed prior of the disbursement of Public Funds."

To approve this request is contrary to Law and is a violation of the following:

1. Section 305 of Local Goverment Code
(a) "No money shall be paid out of the local treasury except in pursuance of an appropriations ordinance or law."

2. Section 366 of Local Government Code on Juggling of Local Funds
"Funds shall be available exclusively for the specific purpose for which they have been appropriated."

3. Standard Accounting Rules and Regulation of the Commission on Audit

This is Technical Malversation defined and penalized under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code.

That being so, Hon. Eden Chua-Pineda, Hon. Rachelle Erica Chua-Pineda, Hon. Edmund Edward Chua, Hon. Nikki Chua and Vice-Mayor Jerry "Sambo" Yaokasin chose to consider themselves as absent on these three (3) particular Agendas which are Agenda 14-420,14-421 and 14-422 during the 75th Regular Session.

As per Hon. Eden Chua-Pineda, she don't want to be an accessory to the crime committed.

Video Credits to Ronnie Yanuario "Tita Char"