COA Audit Reveals Millions Spent on OVP Equipment
OVP – The Office of the Vice President, led by Vice President Sara Duterte, acquired several pieces of equipment and assets in 2023 and 2024, including laptops, MacBook Airs, CCTV units, vehicles, air conditioners, and other office equipment, according to the latest report from the Commission on Audit (COA).
The audit initially listed 13 “laptops” valued at nearly P3.92 million, but the OVP clarified that this was a clerical error. The total actually referred to 12 donated photocopiers valued at P3.82 million and one desktop computer for video editing at P92,000.
The photocopiers had been leased by the office since 2021 and were donated after the lease ended. The mislabeling and overvaluation of P1.21 million did not result in any findings against the OVP but was noted as a deviation from government accounting rules. COA recommended that the office adjust the valuation in 2025 and review its procedures for recording donated items in the future.
Among the office’s other acquisitions, seven CCTV units were purchased in 2024 for over P212,000 each. The OVP explained that these systems were installed in satellite offices, extension offices, and the Libreng Sakay buses as part of recommended security measures. Two MacBook Air laptops were acquired for about P120,842 each, reflecting higher specifications and additional software. Four air-conditioning units cost P73,505 each, and ten multi-purpose vehicles were purchased in 2023 at roughly P1.028 million per unit. COA did not raise any issues with these acquisitions, noting that all went through proper procurement procedures.
The audit also highlighted gaps in the OVP’s Mag-Negosyo Ta Day livelihood program. It found that financial assistance was granted to 138 beneficiaries, including individuals and NGOs, without properly assessing the feasibility of their projects. Additionally, P2.115 million in funds were not liquidated on time, and monitoring visits for many beneficiaries were delayed or missed entirely. COA recommended stricter evaluation of project proposals, timely liquidation of funds, and proper documentation of monitoring visits and quarterly reports.
