Duterte: There is a ‘legal basis’ upon request for audit over PRC

Spread the love

MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stated that there is a “legal basis” for the Commission on Audit (COA) to investigate the financial records of Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

“When I asked for an audit of Philippine Red Cross by COA, it is with legal basis,” Duterte said during his prerecorded Talk to the People on Monday night.

It was clearly mentioned in the Constitution, according to Duterte, as well as under Republic Act 10072, or the Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009.

“Kailangan kong ipaimbestiga ang Red Cross for a host of reasons, pero una niyan pera (I need to order an investigation of Red Cross for a host of reasons, the first thing is about the money),” he said.

Duterte said the PRC is required by law to provide an annual financial report to the President’s Office.

“The Constitution itself requires bidding for every centavo that goes into the private hands for the purpose of charity,” he said.

The PRC, according to Duterte, is a “very commendable entity”.

“We are not attacking the Philippine Red Cross. We just would like to know if the resources of the government have given to it — is well manage,” he said.

Duterte has already directed the Solicitor General to write to COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo, asking a financial audit of the PRC.

Senator Richard Gordon’s handling of the PRC, according to Duterte, should be transparent.

“Gusto mo transparency sa mga transaction kaya (You want transparency in the transactions that’s why) you’re dwelling on Pharmally? In the same manner, we get also to see if there is transparency in the Red Cross under you and you yourself in connection with the Red Cross functions,” he said.

Gordon is the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is investigating the government’s alleged overpriced contracts for Covid-19 supplies at the start of the pandemic last year.

House committees to hold hearings during break

Spread the love

Spread the loveMANILA – The House of Representatives has authorized for its committees to conduct hearings during the five-week congressional break, extending until late April.

LATEST NEWS

TRENDING NEWS