Manila, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has failed to spend almost P33.448 billion because of its poor planning. It could be at least 48 percent of the budget for projects last year that could have benefitted the public.
The Commission on Audit released a report yesterday said that that underutilization of DOTC funds is the failure of management to maximize its authorized budgetary allocations and cast doubts on its readiness to execute the programs. The COA noted that DOTC has received a total of P69.683 billion for the budget in 2015 and only P36.234 was required with a 48 percent of the budget that is unused with the amount of P33.448 billion.
DOTC should maximize the use of allotments that they are receiving by proper planning and improved efficiency of processing the timely implementation of the programs and budgets to avoid for a unobligated fund for expiring, the Audit team said. The DOTC has been advised by the State Auditors that they should revisit the existing procurement policies and if needed, consider decentralizing the procurement process for ensuring timely accomplishments of the planned projects.