President Rodrigo Duterte during his Talk To The People on Tuesday (Sept. 7) said the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) falls under the Commission on Audit’s (COA) audit jurisdiction.
Citing Article IX of the 1987 Constitution, Duterte said that the COA has the power, authority, and duty to examine audit, and settle all accounts on the revenues and receipts and expenditures or uses of funds and property owned or held in trust by the government.
This includes non-governmental entities receiving subsidies or equity directly or indirectly from or through the government.
“Kung ang Red Cross mo, tumatanggap ng pera, gumagastos ng pera ng gobyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas, you are subject to an audit,” Duterte said.
The President also cited Republic Act (RA) No. 10072 or the Philippine Red Cross Act which recognizes the PRC as a voluntary, independent, autonomous and non-governmental society auxiliary to the authorities to the Republic of the Philippines.
It is provided in RA 10072 that the PRC shall, at the end of every calendar year, submit to the president of the Philippines an annual report containing its activities and showing its financial condition.
“Sen. Gordon, hindi mo ito ginawa. Wala akong nabasa galing sa iyo,” Duterte said.
“Pag ang pera galing sa gobyerno ay binigay sa kamay mo para i-implement mo ang isang project, the receiving entity or person automatically is responsible for that money,” he added. –PG – bny
