Storycon | Ex-COA commissioner questions fund allocation for VP Duterte’s book

Summary

The transcript discusses concerns over accountability and potential misuse of public funds for a book distribution program for school children. It raises questions about the legality, nature of funds used, and the alignment of the program with the mandate of the Office of the Vice President. The discussion also touches on the possibility of double-dipping and duplication of efforts by different government agencies, such as DSWD, DOLE, and DOH, and the importance of following proper rules and procedures to avoid political misuse of funds.

Takeaways

• 📚 The discussion revolves around the accountability and funding mechanisms for a book distribution program intended for school children.
• 🗓️ There's a mention of a launch in November 2023, raising questions about the timing and the appropriateness of the distribution.
• 💼 The commissioner is considering whether the distribution could have been budgeted under the Department of Education (DepEd) or the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
• 🔍 The speaker is looking into potential 'double dipping' where funds might be allocated twice for the same purpose.
• 🌳 The book distribution might be related to a tree planting project, suggesting a connection to the OVP's confy funds.
• 🏛️ The Office of the Vice President is questioned for its role in printing the book, with the National Printing Office being an alternative that could be more cost-effective.
• 💡 The necessity and purpose of the book's publication by the OVP are scrutinized, with a focus on alignment with the office's mandate.
• 💼 The conversation touches on the potential duplication of efforts and funds between different government agencies like DSWD, DOLE, and DOH.
• 🚫 There's a mention of the DSWD's repeated rejection of requests for assistance, hinting at possible inefficiencies or miscommunications.
• 📈 The discussion points to the need for clear rules and procedures to prevent political influence and ensure the proper allocation of funds.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding the distribution of materials to school children?

The main concern is whether the distribution is in line with the Department of Education's (DepEd) program and if it adheres to legal and funding guidelines, including the possibility of double-dipping or misallocation of funds.

When was the launch mentioned in the transcript?

The launch mentioned in the transcript was in November 2023.

What are the two key questions raised about the distribution?

The two key questions are whether the distribution is intended for school children and if it has been budgeted for under the Department of Education or the Office of the Vice President.

What is the term 'double dipping' in the context of the transcript?

'Double dipping' refers to the potential misuse of funds by being allocated for the same purpose in multiple budgets or from different sources without proper justification.

What is the significance of the Office of the Vice President's involvement in the distribution?

The involvement of the Office of the Vice President raises questions about the necessity and appropriateness of using its funds for the distribution, especially considering other government agencies might be better suited or have existing mandates for such tasks.

Why is the legality of the fund's nature important?

The legality of the fund's nature is important to ensure that there are no violations of laws or policies, and that the funds are being used for their intended and lawful purposes.

What is meant by the term 'validity of transactions' in the transcript?

The term 'validity of transactions' refers to whether the transactions are legitimate, properly documented, and aligned with the mandate and objectives of the Office of the Vice President or other relevant agencies.

What is the purpose of the book mentioned in the transcript?

The purpose of the book is not explicitly stated, but it is implied that it is for distribution and possibly related to educational or developmental programs.

Why is the alignment of the program with the mandate of the Office of the Vice President important?

Alignment with the mandate ensures that the program is relevant and within the scope of the office's authority, which is crucial for proper governance and accountability.

What is the issue with the publication of the book by the Office of the Vice President?

The issue is the necessity and appropriateness of the Office of the Vice President publishing the book when other government agencies might be more capable or have existing programs to handle such publications more efficiently.

What does the mention of the 2 billion and the duplication in agencies refer to?

The mention of the 2 billion and duplication refers to concerns about overlapping or redundant funding and efforts between different government agencies, such as DSWD, DOLE, and DOH, which could lead to inefficiencies or misuse of public funds.