DND denies misuse of emergency funds

The Department of National Defense on Saturday disputed allegations that it misused a big part of P352.5 million in emergency funds.

 

In a statement, the DND said there were no irregularities in its use of the Quick Response Funds (QRF) for the military's fuel consumption, stressing that these are needed in the transport of relief goods and personnel to calamity-affected areas.

 

"It is critical that relief goods, rescuers,responders, ancillary workers that deliver social services, repair materials, tents and communication equipment and so forth need to be transported to disaster affected areas immediately to overcome human sufferings," it said.

 

"In fact, during Yolanda in November 2013, fuel allocated as war reserves were utilized as we are committed not to stop until the job is done; and this same fuel needs to be replenished," it added,

 

A report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer said the COA report indicated the military had spent money meant to help victims of natural disasters for its fuel consumption and repairs of its offices.

 

Citing the COA findings, the report said P843.5 million from the DND's Quick Response Funds remain unliquidated since 2012.

 

The DND also stressed that the QRF has also been used to fund pre-disaster activities, which includes the organization, training, and maintenance of response units for actual disaster response operations.

 

"It is essential that capacities and capabilities are enhanced particularly for the AFP, who are among the first responders in disaster response operations, and the OCD, who administers the comprehensive national civil defense and disaster risk and reduction management program," it said.

 

Earlier, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the DND is ready to give its "appropriate response" to the audit observation raised by the COA.

 

"Handa silang sumagot at handa sila magbigay ng appropriate response sa audit observation na ni-raise ng COA. Confident tayo the DND will be able to address the observations raised by COA," she said on government-run dzRB radio. — Amanda Fernandez/JDS, GMA News