Comelec flagged for P2.169b in cash advances

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Audit has flagged the Commission on Elections for failure to liquidate P2.169 billion in cash advances on time, the bulk of which was issued in connection with the 2022 elections.

Based on their 2022 annual audit, state auditors said Comelec’s cash advances granted to accountable officers increased from P380 million to P2.089 billion in just a year.

COA said the amount was broken down into P1.9 billion given to Comelec Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs), and P188.9 million for Comelec officers and employees (OEs).

“The significant increase in the balance of the advances account from Dec. 31, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022 totaling P1.708 million was due to the numerous cash advances granted to various accountable officers for the 2022 national and local elections activities and failure of the administrative orders to liquidate the same within the prescribed period,” COA said.

“Section 89 of Presidential Decree 1445 states that no cash advance shall be given unless for a legally authorized specific purpose. A cash advance shall be reported on and liquidated as soon as the purpose for which it was given has been served,” it added.

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Thursday decried the recent circulation of screenshots on social media maliciously accusing the state casino regulator of plagiarizing the logo of a website called “Tripper”.

"The allegation made against PAGCOR is entirely false and driven bymalicious intent. Throughout its operations, PAGCOR has consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The agency remains dedicated to fostering a safe and thriving gaming industry in the country," it said.

The government firm said it is investigating the source "of thismalicious and baseless campaign and urges the public to exercise caution."

"At the outset, the website is lacking showing of credibility and in fact, bears resemblance to a phishing site," it added.

The agency urged everyone "to be vigilant and to obtain information from credible sources to combat the spread of false narratives and protect themselves from potential scams."

"PAGCOR remains dedicated to responsible gaming, regulation of the Philippine gaming industry, and nation-building," it added.

PAGCOR blasts plagiarism claims over new logo IN BRIEF

Boracay remains in travel list Top 10

BORACAY stayed in the Top 10 of the "Favorite Islands in the World 2023" list by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

The island ranked no. 10, alongside the likes of Australia's Great Barrier Reef Islands and Maldives— one place down from last year's list. Boracay scored 92.94 percent on the list based on a survey taken by the site's readers.

"The tiny island—just 4.5 miles long—is known as 'the island that never sleeps' for its parties and nightlife," the article said. "One T+L reader called the island 'the best leisure vacation destination.'"

MPD cops sacked for shop extortion

MANILA Police District chief Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon on Thursday ordered the relief of all his men assigned to the Police Intelligence Operations Unit after five of its men reportedly got involved in the extortion of a computer shop.

Dizon also formed a special team to conduct a manhunt operation against the five officers—Staff Sgt. Ryann Tagle Paculan; Staff Sgt. Jan Erwin Santiago Isaac; Cpl. Jonmark Gonzales Dabucol; Pat. Jeremiah Sesma Pascual, and Pat. Jhon Lester Reyes Pagar.

A civilian, who was in cahoots with the five accused officers, was also the target of the manhunt.

A computer shop owner in Sampaloc, Manila claimed the five men, who introduced themselves as police officers, went to his establishment claiming they were conducting an anti-gambling operation. Joel E. Zurbano