BACOLOD City – The Sagay City Government in Negros Occidental has been investigating the alleged missing P7.3 million Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) funds.
Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., in a press conference on Wednesday, October 2, said they are working closely with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Audit (COA) and Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) to expedite the investigation on the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).
“Since the CTO operates under the jurisdiction of the BLGF, the case will be referred to the latter for appropriate action,” the mayor said.
The BLGF will oversee the proceedings, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution. The CLO meanwhile is carrying out an exhaustive investigation requiring time to ensure facts and data are verified.
As of yesterday, October 3, the city government has been awaiting representatives of the COA to arrive and witness the opening of the CTO vault as part of the audit procedure after it has already been sealed and secured.
The amount, which the CTO failed to release, was intended for the city’s 276 eligible health care workers who served as frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Javelosa earlier said that the CTO initially distributed P22 million from August 19 to 22 but failed to release the remaining P7.3 million.
The mayor said he has also received a report from the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on finance which highlights their commitment to closely monitor the ongoing investigation.
“In the light of the committee findings, a resolution will be issued urging our office to hasten the process, and we are fully committed to resolving this issue swiftly,” he said.
Mayor Javelosa further assured the people of Sagay City that they are taking every step necessary to urgently address this matter albeit with caution.
“We also ask the public to remain vigilant and refrain from spreading misinformation, as this could hinder the investigation and cause unnecessary confusion,” he added./PN
