COA FINALIZES P4.5-M DISALLOWANCE ON PLM’S 2003 SPEECH LAB EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

The Commission on Audit (COA) has finalized a P4.5 million disallowance against the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) for the 2003 procurement of speech laboratory equipment.

The ruling upheld a 2018 decision after the COA denied a motion by former PLM property officer Alfredo C. Ferrer Jr. to reconsider the case.

The disallowance was due to direct contracting and failure to prove that no suitable substitutes were available, as well as the equipment being unused during laboratory renovations, which led to damage and additional repair costs.

COA rejected Ferrer’s claim that he acted in good faith while merely executing the orders of PLM’s Board of Regents.

The commission emphasized that Ferrer, as head of the property office, bore direct responsibility for safeguarding the equipment and failed to exercise due diligence.

Source: PhilNews24 | April 5, 2026