The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts has urged the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a fraud audit on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) over the alleged irregular utilization of a ₱6.4 billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).
Lawmakers raised concerns that the allocation disproportionately favored barangays aligned with the current BARMM administration.
Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong pointed out that any government spending above ₱50 million should be reviewed by COA’s central office.
Since BARMM is handling a huge amount of money, he believes it’s only right to make sure everything is transparent.
This issue started when Adiong revealed that over 400 barangays, mostly in BARMM provinces like Lanao del Sur, received money from the fund, but the amounts varied from ₱500,000 to ₱2.5 million.
The investigation has been delayed because BARMM officials have not been attending hearings, saying they are observing Ramadan.
However, Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman, who is also fasting, argued that this shouldn’t be a reason to avoid important discussions.
Committee Chairman Joseph Stephen Paduano agreed, saying the officials need to show up and explain where the money went.
This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about BARMM’s spending.
In the past, COA found issues with unfinished housing projects worth ₱2 billion.
Now, many people are hoping this new investigation will help make sure government funds are being used properly and are actually benefiting the people in the BARMM provinces.
Lawmakers are questioning how the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) used ₱6.4 billion from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). There are concerns that the money may not have been distributed fairly and could have been given to certain barangays for political reasons.
A fraud audit is being requested to ensure transparency and accountability. Representative Zia Alonto Adiong pointed out that any government spending above ₱50 million should be reviewed by COA’s central office, making it necessary to investigate such a large amount.
Reports show that over 400 barangays, mostly in BARMM provinces like Lanao del Sur, received different amounts ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱2.5 million. Lawmakers want to know the criteria used to allocate these funds and whether all areas in the BARMM region received a fair share.
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