Bago City gov’t denies getting Malampaya funds

I am writing in behalf of the government of Bago City, Negros Occidental, regarding the news story titled “COA scores DBM over Malampaya Fund release” (Front Page, 9/24/13) by Gil C. Cabacungan. According to this report, the Commission on Audit (COA) cited the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for issuing four checks—two of which were for P100 million each—for Palawan province and Bago City between April and June 2009, and these were received by unidentified people who had no authorization letter from the payee-government servicing bank.

The report further stated that the COA noted that the local governments have yet to confirm the receipt of the funds.

The city government of Bago vehemently denies being the recipient of Malampaya funds and never has it received such funds from the DBM.

The fact is, we have in our possession a certification to this effect, dated Sept. 30, 2013, and issued by city treasurer Ruben E. Balboa, certified correct by city accountant Ruby V. Abellar, and approved by Mayor Ramon D. Torres.

—AARON R. LIRAZAN,

city legal officer,

City of Bago, Negros Occidental