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MANILA, Philippines. About P165 million in cash donations intended for relief and rehabilitation projects of Yolanda victims have not been utilized because donors failed to identify themselves according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as reported by Philstar news.
Out of P1.15 billion cash donations, as much as P165 million that was deposited in DSWD’s bank accounts can only be disbursed after identifying and acknowledging donors, DWSD spokesperson Javier Jimenez said.
“We really wanted to utilize the funds and get them out the door. But… we have very vigilant and very specific guidelines and procedures governing the transfer of funds,” Jimenez said.
“If we make a misstep, it could become a COA (Commission on Audit) disallowance,” he said, emphasizing that doing so would mean penalties imposed on the concerned staff.
When DSWD called for donations in support of areas severely affected by Yolanda, Jimenez reiterated that the department had announced that donors would have to send their names and the amount of their donations to properly acknowledge them, adding that it is part of government regulations.
“Normally, we ask them to email their deposit slips or send any fax or email that will verify that they deposited a certain amount in our bank account, so that we can properly acknowledge their donations,” he said.
Even so, some donors failed to submit any of the necessary details. These unknown donors could still send their deposit slips if they still have them, he added.
P986 million from the fund has already been utilized so far. DSWD said the amount was used to supplement feeding projects and sustainable livelihood programs.
Issues on strict procedures governing the transfer of funds have already been raised by the DSWD with COA officials and they intend to bring the discussion with the newly appointed COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo.
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