The Commission on Audit (COA) formulates new rules regarding calamity funds donations. This implies a more tight control on foreign and local aids following the demands of the people which aim for transparency and accountability in donations intended for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda last November.

The eight page circular was formulated by the joint effort of COA Chairman Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan and Commissioner Heidi Mendoza which aims for a more control and accounting of funds especially the National Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

The said guideline encompasses how the funds should by itemize, utilized, recorded and if there is any excess of goods the return of it is necessary.

Guidelines for new procedures are quickly propagated to department heads to local government units, accountants, cashiers, disbursing officers and budget officers.

Cash donations should be accompanied by receipts, deposited on Government Authorized Bank and recorded by designated collecting officer.

Supplies from foreign and local entities should also accounted properly for transparency purpose.

“Donated goods shall be sorted, inventoried and/or counted, and recorded upon receipt and before repacking. The distribution shall be made immediately, especially the perishable goods and/or items, COA noted

Mendoza and the others also added that the excess donations should be deposited to the Bureau of Treasury or return to specified donor.

Come and visit the COA official website to view the new guidelines.