Mexico mayor given deadline to act on COA findings

MEXICO, Pampanga — The Commission on Audit (COA) has given Mayor Teddy Tumang 60 days to act and implement its recommendations on findings of its recent examination, particularly the restitution of P149,133,819.18 “in favor of the Municipality of Mexico by persons determined to be liable.”

Documents obtained by Sun.Star Pampanga show that on February 12, 2013, COA chair Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan wrote Tumang about the “FAIO [Fraud Audit and Investigation Office] Report No. 2012-010” or the “Report on the Results of the Audit on the Purported Anomalous Projects and Expenditures of the Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga for the Calendar Years 2007 to mid 2010.”

The letter was reportedly received at the Mayor’s Office in February 28, a Sun.Star Pampanga source said.

In its recommendations, the COA team led by supervisor lawyer Alexander Juliano, State auditor Desiree Aquino, and members Special Investigator IV Engr. Francisco Valentino Jr., State auditor II Deborah Araojo and State auditor I Eduardo Acosta requested Tumang to “comply strictly with the provisions of the IRR [Implementing Rules and Regulations] of Republic Act 9184 and the relevant GPPB [Government Procurement Policy Board] Resolutions in the procurements to be made by the municipality.”

The COA recommended courses of action also asked Tumang to “institute proper charges, administrative and criminal, against concerned officials and private individuals in accordance with the penal provision under Section 65 of IRR-A of RA 9184 and Section 3 (e) and (h) of RA No. 3019 and Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.”

The audit, documents show, was requested by Vice Mayor Roy Manalastas and councilors Rex Calma, Emmanuel Manalo and Rudencio Gonzales on August 31, 2010, and was authorized under Audit Office 2010-653 dated October 4 of the same year. Its primary objective was “to determine whether the selection of contractors/suppliers for projects/expenditures and award of contracts by the Municipality of Mexico implemented in 2007 up to mid 2010 were made in accordance with RA 9184 or the “Government Procurement Act.”

In its findings discussed with municipal officials during the July 26, 2012 exit conference, the COA found out that some P43,168,403.79 for procurement of vehicles and medicines was awarded to bidders, who “had either close relationship or personal dealings with the head of the procuring entity; used the same name of another or allowed another to use one’s name for participation in biddings; and who maliciously submitted different bids through two or more persons, corporations, partnerships or any other business entity in which he has an interest, to create the appearance of competition that does not exist so as to be adjudged as the winning bidder.

The COA said the municipal Bids and Awards Committee failed to discharge its mandate as the law requires, thereby producing results that are disadvantageous to the public.

The COA also noted that the municipality went on a P39,321,098.10 contract shopping from 2007 to mid 2010, all awarded to one Buyu Trading and Construction, on the basis of irregularly filled-up canvass forms and alleged fraudulent names and signatures. The audit also disclosed that 164 disbursement vouchers totaling P26,719,162.53 were paid without the approval of the municipal accountant.

“We request that the recommendations be implemented and that this Commission be informed of the actions taken within 60 days (from receipt hereof),” the COA urged the mayor.

Sun.Star Pampanga tried to reach Tumang, but repeated calls remained unanswered, although in an interview last year, he said he would welcome the results of the audit.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2013/03/18/mexico-mayor-given-deadline-act-coa-findings-273586

Frequently visited resort hotel in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone shares news, articles, suggestions and ideas on matters that might enhance your visit to Subic and Clark Pampanga for vacation and travel, as well as to organize, plan or attend a corporate or social event near Manila.

Where to stay in Clark, Philippines?

Voted Best Hotel in Clark Pampanga, this beach resort is a semi-private establishment located in the central business district near shopping, business, entertainment, airport and other conveniences of Philippines Clark Freeport Zone.   This 13 hectare lake beach resort near Manila Philippines is a place of leisure that is highly recommended for family tourists with children or couples and individuals hoping to relax and enjoy peace and quiet in a laidback American suburban lifestyle.

Adding to the charm and attractiveness of this resort hotel in Clark Philippines are certain unique factors including safety, a keen sense of security and privacy that the main zone of Clark Freeport Zone offers.  Angeles Philippines, Subic or Manila cannot offer the same sense of security like Clark Philippines.  Clearwater is one of the best hotel in Clark and the resort is a very popular venue for rest and relaxation especially for golfers after a round of golf at one of the best golf courses near Manila.   Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

Philippines Travel Guide just unveiled recommendations and tips for safe and secured destinations during Holy Week and Easter Holidays in Philippines, Pampanga, Angeles City, Subic and Clark.  The report covers highly recommended resorts and hotels in North Luzon, nice getaway destinations for families with children to enjoy activities in the outdoor, secured, safe and convenient place for tourists to relax and unwind, luxurious restaurants offering privacy and good ambience, best clubs in Pampanga and resto bars in Angeles City, pubs in Clark and fine dining restaurants in Pampanga, frequently visited places as well as historical sites in Angeles City, Pampanga, Clark Philippines.

Clearwater is generally regarded as is a place of leisure and the best private resort in Pampanga.  This Clark hotel is the most frequently visited private resort outside Manila for corporate planning and team building because of its exclusivity.    Clearwater is well regarded among frequent visitors to Clark as one of the best resorts in Pampanga.

Pampanga is an important province of the Philippines slated to be the next business and tourism center of the country.  Already international traffic prefers the Clark International Airport and tourists find Clark Freeport Zone easier to get around than Manila.  Safety, low crime rate, no traffic and low pollution levels all contribute to making Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone a preferred destination for local and international tourists.

For inquiries and bookings, <a href=”http://www.clearwaterphilippines.com/contact/index.html”>Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now</a>

<strong> Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga </strong>

Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,

Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023

(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403  0922-870-5177

Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

<strong>Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines</strong>

<em>After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection.  Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road.  YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down. </em>

<strong><a href=”http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com”>http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com</a></strong>

<strong>Manila Sales Office</strong>

<em>3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,

Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605</em>

(632) 637-5019   0917-520-4393  Rea or Chay

Email:   Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qngtcg4mmRw

<strong><a href=”http://www.clearwaterphilippines.com/booking/make-reservation.html“>Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now</a></strong>

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

<a href=”http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com”>http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com</a>

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list.  It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone.  For more information, visit <a href=”http://www.YatsRestaurant.com”>http://www.YatsRestaurant.com</a>

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines  <a href=”http://www.YatsLeisure.com”>http://www.YatsLeisure.com</a>

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.

<a href=”http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com”>http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com</a>

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines?  You may want to check out these sites also:

<a href=”http://www.LondonPubClark.com”>http://www.LondonPubClark.com</a>

<a href=”http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com”>http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com</a>

<a href=”http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com”>http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com</a>

<a href=”http://www.YatsWineCellars.com”>http://www.YatsWineCellars.com</a>

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit <a href=”http://www.yilp.com”>http://www.yilp.com</a>

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669  ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)