The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol expressed its support to the resolution of the SP of Iloilo that strongly opposes the requirement of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) for fund transfer as provided for in Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2023-004.
Bohol Board Member Mimi Boniel rendered Committee Report No. 2023-05 of the Committee on General Resolutions and Ordinances during the SP Regular Session on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
The report stated that the COA circular, issued on June 14, 2023, updated the documentary requirements for several government transactions, including fund transfers to implementing agencies.
Among the requirements listed in the circular are a copy of the TCT of the land where the project will be built and a certification from the implementing agency that the site is clear from impediments, such as informed settlers, legal claims of property ownership by other claimants, mountain obstruction, right of way.
According to Boniel’s report, most parcels of land owned by local government units – provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays – not acquired by purchase are unregistered, yet held in the concept of an owner since time immemorial.
Boniel’s committee found merit in supporting the resolution of the SP of Iloilo, which argued that the TCT requirement would cause undue delay and difficulty in the implementation of projects funded by the national government or other sources.
The committee recommended the passage of a resolution supporting the resolution of the SP of Iloilo and urging the COA to reconsider its circular.
The session was presided by Vice Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite, who concurred with the committee’s recommendation.
The resolution will be forwarded to the COA, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the League of Provinces of the Philippines for their information and appropriate action.