The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched a probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds from 11 barangays in Lila, Bohol, totaling P14.86 million.
The missing funds, which had been saved over a period of time, were intended for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), a youth organization.
The affected barangays are Cayupo, Banban, Tiguis, Jambawan, Lomanoy, Nagsulay, Bonkokan Ilaya, Calvario, Cogon, Candulang, and Macalingan.
According to Lila Mayor Arturo “Jed” Piollo, the alleged fund siphoning began in 2018 and escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Municipal Accountant Trinidad Lagnason discovered the discrepancies in July, prompting the investigation.
The probe found that the suspects allegedly doctored books of accounts, faked documents, and forged signatures.
Suspects who are barangay officials also allegedly made double withdrawals for honoraria, tampered with checks, and submitted fake bank statements to the Commission on Audit and the Municipal Legal Office.
The NBI has gathered evidences and is expected to file charges against the suspects.
Reports of Missing Public Funds in Barangays Across the Philippines
In Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City, a significant discrepancy in public funds has been reported. In 2008, it was discovered that PHP378 million was unaccounted for from the barangay’s budget. Despite suspicions directed at the barangay chairman, the Commission on Audit (COA) cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The controversy arose when only PHP215 million of the barangay’s PHP615 million budget was accounted for in community projects.
Barangay Poblacion, Kidapawan City faced scrutiny in 2006 after an audit revealed irregularities in its financial transactions.
The audit uncovered falsified disbursement vouchers and missing records, leading to unauthorized spending. The audit team noted that disbursements were not properly recorded, raising concerns about financial management in the barangay.
In Davao City, delays in road projects in various barangays have been linked to the improper use of public funds.
Reports indicate that projects were often awarded to contractors with strong political connections rather than those with proven capabilities, resulting in inefficiencies and misuse of funds.