COA Yet to Reverse Clearance of DepEd's P75-M Confidential Fund Spending

Former Undersecretary Michael Poa stated on Wednesday that the Commission on Audit (COA) has not yet reversed its decision to clear the Department of Education's (DepEd) P75-million confidential fund spending for the first two quarters of 2023. Poa made this testimony during the cross-examination on Day 21 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, who was at the helm of DepEd when the funds in question were disbursed. Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison questioned Poa on whether he was aware of any efforts or moves from COA to reconsider the credit notice or clearance on DepEd's P75-million confidential fund spending in 2023. Poa responded, "As far as I'm aware, none at the moment." Furthermore, Poa testified that COA did not issue a notice of suspension or a notice of disallowance on DepEd's confidential funds spending from the first to the third quarter. During the re-cross-examination by private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr., Poa was asked if the credit notice issued by COA on the P75 million alters the testimony of two military officials. These officials had previously testified that the certifications they provided, at the request of then-DepEd Undersecretary Nolasco Mempin, were solely for the attendance and conduct of seminars for the youth. "All of these matters are not changed just because a credit notice was issued, correct, sir?" Tolosa inquired. Poa affirmed, "Correct." This testimony is significant as it pertains to the alleged misuse of confidential funds during Vice President Duterte's tenure at the DepEd, a central issue in her impeachment trial. Source: GMA News Philippines