By Marian Z. Codilla
Cebu Daily News
CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña voiced his displeasure yesterday over the Commission on Audit (COA) assessment that the city exceeded its debt payments by more than P700 million or above the 20-percent ceiling allowed for its debt payments.
He said the national government should be happy rather than be critical of the city's payments for the loan it procured to purchase the South Road Properties (SRP).
“It's not that we were throwing money. We are even helping the national government. If we don't pay (the loan), we will lose the 300 hectare (property in the SRP). We are not paying a private bank. The money went to the national government,” Osmeña said.
The COA's audit report on Cebu City caused Capitol officials to challenge the agency to substantiate its findings in light of Osmeña's claim that the city has a budget surplus of P250 million.
Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said that based on COA report, the city government was wrong because it didn't allocate a budget for loan interests. “I find that hard to believe because the mayor is a financial analyst),” he said.
The 2008 audit report stated that the Cebu City government failed to pay interest on its SRP loan number 2 amounting to P169.9 million which accumulated from 2004 to 2007.
As a result, COA said loan number 2 was converted to loan number 3 which would then be penalized with additional interest.
Osmeña said the national government through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) gets three percent of the city's total loan payments while the Japanese government collects only 2.7 percent interest.
Of the three percent, the LBP collects two percent and the Department of Finance gets one percent of the loan payments.
Osmeña said the awards the city government received were proofs that it didn't sacrifice the delivery of services and programs to the city residents.
“We have the best malnutrition program in the country. We have the best lupon in the country. Our dengue cases has reduced. I find that deplorable. We increased our allocation to the Cebu City Medical Center,” he said.
Osmeña also said the COA reminded them last year to keep a guest list of all the events the city sponsored with their discretionary funds since they only kept receipts.
The COA said P944,044 in discretionary expenses from January to May 2008 were unaccounted for.
Sepulveda said the lapse committed by Osmeña was tantamount to dereliction of duty and could be filed against him in court.
He said the Ombudsman can initiate an investigation on Cebu City's finances.
He said he found it hard to believe that the city failed to allocate payments for its loan interests.
“Rather than bragging about his skin and bones budget, Osmeña should add a little flesh to it so they can settle their loan obligations,” Sepulveda said.
Sepulveda also said the “city is going underwater” due to the mayor's fiscal mismanagement.
He was referring to Osmeña's remark about the province's proposed school in Naga town which was supposedly located in a property whose portions were submerged in water.
source
Cebu LGU should refund excess payments.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
COA identifies top execs with excessive claims charged to Capitol
By Florence F. Hibionada
Travel expenses of 13 top personalities of the Iloilo Provincial Government made it in this year’s shortlist of unconscionable and excessive claims.
All disallowed by the Commission On Audit (COA) with full refund of the taxpayer’s money ordered, the list included the governor’s daughter Nielette Tupas Balleza and Capitol lawyer Joenar Pueblo.
Two doctors also made it in the list, Dr. Roberto Castronuevo and Dr. Jeremiah Obañana with Castronuevo even discovered to have tampered the Official Receipts (ORs). Castronuevo and Balleza have both returned the Capitol’s money yet COA in its latest Annual Audit Report (AAR) still identified the duo as amongst the 13 with disallowed travel expenses. It was not clear if with the restitution made the two are now clear of any liabilities.
While expenses for official trips may be charged to the Iloilo Provincial Government, COA noted how limitations are set by law. And with cash advances granted to cover said trips, proper liquidations are likewise required.
Random audit made on the travel of the 13 showed violations ranging from excessive claims to tampering of ORs.
“There are instances when official receipts for hotel accommodation presented are tampered. Confirmation letters inquiring as to the authenticity and validity of the data in said official receipts were sent to the management of the hotel and confirmed official receipts differ from that submitted to support the Liquidation Report. Such act of a public officer is deemed unconscionable and should be properly dealt with by the head of agency,” the COA wrote. “Post-audit of selected vouchers and liquidation reports also reveal excessive claims. Receipts for meals and hotel accommodation presented exceeded the daily limit for such expenses… The travel law clearly states that limits are set for daily expenses (not weekly or monthly).”
As further pointed out by COA, regardless of rank and destination the amount allowed is P800 per day with claims in excess needing special authority. Any amount beyond P800 per day must have a certification from the head of office that the excess is “absolutely necessary in the performance of an assignment and presentation of bills and receipts.”
“We recommend that the Province exercise prudence in granting reimbursements for expenses for out of town travels,” while adding that any and all claims must duly be supported with receipts.
Those with unpaid disallowed travels included Provincial Librarian Noemi Viejon, Mila Layog of the Provincial Cooperative Office, acting Provincial Treasurer Corazon Estelita Beloria, Social Welfare and Development Officer Neneth Pador and Health Office’s Judy Dumayas among others.
As COA pointed out, “unconscionable expenditures” signifies without acknowledge or sense of what is right, reasonable and just and not guided or restrained by conscience. These are unreasonable and immoderate expenses incurred in violation of ethics and morality by one who does not have any feeling of guilt for the violation.”
TNT learned that the questioned Capitol executives were granted authority of P2,500 daily allowance for department heads, P2,000 for assistant department heads and P1,500 for hospital chiefs.
The disbursement vouchers checked though showed meals and incidental expenses as grossly excessive, exorbitant and too lavish.
Said matter was first reported in January this year with the earlier Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) issued.
For instance, one receipt for one meal of one Capitol executive showed a bill of P2,000. COA was direct with its message then to the governor, “Such can be considered quite excessive for a meal of an individual.”
And there was more.
“Further, two (2) ORs show that personal effects and a laptop accessory are among the expenses reimbursed,” the COA noted.
And more reminders in the AOM to the governor calling his attention to government regulations aimed at preventing excessive and extravagant expenditures.
The ‘travel allowance AOM’ cited Section 164, Article 2 of the Government Accounting and Auditing Manual defining excessive expenditures as “unreasonable expense or expenses incurred at an immoderate quantity or exorbitant price. It also includes expenses which exceed what is usual or proper as well as expenses which are unreasonably high and beyond just measure or amount. They also include expenses in excess of reasonable limits.”
COA likewise reminded Tupas, “the term ‘extravagant expenditures’ signifies those incurred without restraint, judiciousness and economy. Extravagant expenditures exceed the bounds of propriety. These expenditures are immoderate, prodigal, lavish, luxurious, wasteful, grossly excessive and injudicious.”
source
Travel expenses of 13 top personalities of the Iloilo Provincial Government made it in this year’s shortlist of unconscionable and excessive claims.
All disallowed by the Commission On Audit (COA) with full refund of the taxpayer’s money ordered, the list included the governor’s daughter Nielette Tupas Balleza and Capitol lawyer Joenar Pueblo.
Two doctors also made it in the list, Dr. Roberto Castronuevo and Dr. Jeremiah Obañana with Castronuevo even discovered to have tampered the Official Receipts (ORs). Castronuevo and Balleza have both returned the Capitol’s money yet COA in its latest Annual Audit Report (AAR) still identified the duo as amongst the 13 with disallowed travel expenses. It was not clear if with the restitution made the two are now clear of any liabilities.
While expenses for official trips may be charged to the Iloilo Provincial Government, COA noted how limitations are set by law. And with cash advances granted to cover said trips, proper liquidations are likewise required.
Random audit made on the travel of the 13 showed violations ranging from excessive claims to tampering of ORs.
“There are instances when official receipts for hotel accommodation presented are tampered. Confirmation letters inquiring as to the authenticity and validity of the data in said official receipts were sent to the management of the hotel and confirmed official receipts differ from that submitted to support the Liquidation Report. Such act of a public officer is deemed unconscionable and should be properly dealt with by the head of agency,” the COA wrote. “Post-audit of selected vouchers and liquidation reports also reveal excessive claims. Receipts for meals and hotel accommodation presented exceeded the daily limit for such expenses… The travel law clearly states that limits are set for daily expenses (not weekly or monthly).”
As further pointed out by COA, regardless of rank and destination the amount allowed is P800 per day with claims in excess needing special authority. Any amount beyond P800 per day must have a certification from the head of office that the excess is “absolutely necessary in the performance of an assignment and presentation of bills and receipts.”
“We recommend that the Province exercise prudence in granting reimbursements for expenses for out of town travels,” while adding that any and all claims must duly be supported with receipts.
Those with unpaid disallowed travels included Provincial Librarian Noemi Viejon, Mila Layog of the Provincial Cooperative Office, acting Provincial Treasurer Corazon Estelita Beloria, Social Welfare and Development Officer Neneth Pador and Health Office’s Judy Dumayas among others.
As COA pointed out, “unconscionable expenditures” signifies without acknowledge or sense of what is right, reasonable and just and not guided or restrained by conscience. These are unreasonable and immoderate expenses incurred in violation of ethics and morality by one who does not have any feeling of guilt for the violation.”
TNT learned that the questioned Capitol executives were granted authority of P2,500 daily allowance for department heads, P2,000 for assistant department heads and P1,500 for hospital chiefs.
The disbursement vouchers checked though showed meals and incidental expenses as grossly excessive, exorbitant and too lavish.
Said matter was first reported in January this year with the earlier Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) issued.
For instance, one receipt for one meal of one Capitol executive showed a bill of P2,000. COA was direct with its message then to the governor, “Such can be considered quite excessive for a meal of an individual.”
And there was more.
“Further, two (2) ORs show that personal effects and a laptop accessory are among the expenses reimbursed,” the COA noted.
And more reminders in the AOM to the governor calling his attention to government regulations aimed at preventing excessive and extravagant expenditures.
The ‘travel allowance AOM’ cited Section 164, Article 2 of the Government Accounting and Auditing Manual defining excessive expenditures as “unreasonable expense or expenses incurred at an immoderate quantity or exorbitant price. It also includes expenses which exceed what is usual or proper as well as expenses which are unreasonably high and beyond just measure or amount. They also include expenses in excess of reasonable limits.”
COA likewise reminded Tupas, “the term ‘extravagant expenditures’ signifies those incurred without restraint, judiciousness and economy. Extravagant expenditures exceed the bounds of propriety. These expenditures are immoderate, prodigal, lavish, luxurious, wasteful, grossly excessive and injudicious.”
source
University prexy faces graft for unliquidated P0.56-M cash advances
by Zaff Solmerin / Correspondent
THE president of a government university was ordered charged by the Office of the Ombudsman for violating Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code for his failure to liquidate cash advances amounting to P555,778.90 from an educational study project in 2004.
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said respondent Eldigario Gonzales is the president of the Western Mindanao State University.
In a 16-page order, Merceditas approved the recommendation of government investigators for the filing of graft charges against Gonzales before the Sandiganbayan based on information gathered from the Commission on Audit (COA).
The case against Gonzales stemmed from an examination conducted by the COA on the expenses of an educational study conducted by the WMSU in 2004.
“Case records are replete with pieces of evidence more than sufficient to support a finding of probable cause, against respondent, for violation of Art. 218 of the RPC, Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts,” Gutierrez said in her order.
In the same order, Gutierrez also directed government prosecutors to file charges against other school officials for various offenses.
Manuel Rebollos, principal of the Manicahan National High School in Zamboanga City, was charged for acts of lasciviousness after Leizel Esona, a teacher, accused him of touching her in a “sexually suggestive way” against her will.
Gutierrez also placed under preventive suspension Wilma Padama, principal, and Noel A. Caballes, physics teacher, both of Burgos National High School in Pangasinan.
The two were charged with grave misconduct after a 16-year-old male student accused Caballes of sexually abusing him and Padama of covering up the incident to avoid criminal prosecution of the offender.
In his complaint, the student claimed that Caballes invited him after their class to proceed to his house to finish a school project.
When the project was finished, Caballes convinced the student to sleep over and sexually abused the latter while he was sleeping.
Padama, on the other hand, allegedly told the student not to report the incident to the police in order to avoid a public scandal, and required him to sign a document to the effect without allowing him to read nor understand the same.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also dismissed from the service Ricardo Marfiga, principal of the Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) in Pangasinan for misconduct after he was accused of collecting unauthorized fees from students.
In a complaint filed by concerned parents and students of the MNCHS, it was alleged that Marfiga collected fees for use of computers, and sold items that were usually given free to students like test papers; imposed arbitrary fines for late enrollees and latecomers; used the services of the school driver to fetch his wife and children to and from office and school; and allowed cockfighting and taking bets inside the school.
In a two-page decision, the Ombudsman noted that Marfiga himself admitted some of the alleged acts, such as the collection and imposition of fees and having allowed cockfighting inside the campus.
“Complainant’s evidence and respondent’s admission, therefore, are sufficient as constituting substantial evidence,” Gutierrez said.
source
So much money is wasted on unliquidated cash advances! If cash advances were really spent why is it that they can't liquidate them?
THE president of a government university was ordered charged by the Office of the Ombudsman for violating Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code for his failure to liquidate cash advances amounting to P555,778.90 from an educational study project in 2004.
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said respondent Eldigario Gonzales is the president of the Western Mindanao State University.
In a 16-page order, Merceditas approved the recommendation of government investigators for the filing of graft charges against Gonzales before the Sandiganbayan based on information gathered from the Commission on Audit (COA).
The case against Gonzales stemmed from an examination conducted by the COA on the expenses of an educational study conducted by the WMSU in 2004.
“Case records are replete with pieces of evidence more than sufficient to support a finding of probable cause, against respondent, for violation of Art. 218 of the RPC, Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts,” Gutierrez said in her order.
In the same order, Gutierrez also directed government prosecutors to file charges against other school officials for various offenses.
Manuel Rebollos, principal of the Manicahan National High School in Zamboanga City, was charged for acts of lasciviousness after Leizel Esona, a teacher, accused him of touching her in a “sexually suggestive way” against her will.
Gutierrez also placed under preventive suspension Wilma Padama, principal, and Noel A. Caballes, physics teacher, both of Burgos National High School in Pangasinan.
The two were charged with grave misconduct after a 16-year-old male student accused Caballes of sexually abusing him and Padama of covering up the incident to avoid criminal prosecution of the offender.
In his complaint, the student claimed that Caballes invited him after their class to proceed to his house to finish a school project.
When the project was finished, Caballes convinced the student to sleep over and sexually abused the latter while he was sleeping.
Padama, on the other hand, allegedly told the student not to report the incident to the police in order to avoid a public scandal, and required him to sign a document to the effect without allowing him to read nor understand the same.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also dismissed from the service Ricardo Marfiga, principal of the Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) in Pangasinan for misconduct after he was accused of collecting unauthorized fees from students.
In a complaint filed by concerned parents and students of the MNCHS, it was alleged that Marfiga collected fees for use of computers, and sold items that were usually given free to students like test papers; imposed arbitrary fines for late enrollees and latecomers; used the services of the school driver to fetch his wife and children to and from office and school; and allowed cockfighting and taking bets inside the school.
In a two-page decision, the Ombudsman noted that Marfiga himself admitted some of the alleged acts, such as the collection and imposition of fees and having allowed cockfighting inside the campus.
“Complainant’s evidence and respondent’s admission, therefore, are sufficient as constituting substantial evidence,” Gutierrez said.
source
So much money is wasted on unliquidated cash advances! If cash advances were really spent why is it that they can't liquidate them?
Auditors identify Lapu budget flaws
By Doris C. Bongcac
VARIOUS projects worth P385 million that were implemented since 2005 have not been turned over to the Lapu Lapu City government.
The Commission on Audit in Central Visayas (COA-7) said delays in the project turn over have “deprived the city of the projected benefits and income that can derived from them.”
“It is recommended that the Chief Executive should follow up the turn over of these priority projects. If the contractor is in default, impose sanctions like liquidated damages and penalties,” auditors said in their report of the city's finances for last year.
The auditors also noted lapses in sourcing funds worth P6 million which the Lapu Lapu City government spent in 2008 on three expenditures.
Among the questioned appropriations were the P2.8 million spent for the city's beautification program, the P2.9 million spent for janitorial supplies and the P391,590 allocated for the Sinulog Grand Festival expenses.
The audit report said the city's beautification program was funded from the P11.6 million released by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
It also noted that Sinulog expenses was charged to the Special Education Fund (SEF) even if the activity “did not fall within the priority expenses (for said appropriation).”
source
Accountable officials concerned should be made answerable for these anomalies!
VARIOUS projects worth P385 million that were implemented since 2005 have not been turned over to the Lapu Lapu City government.
The Commission on Audit in Central Visayas (COA-7) said delays in the project turn over have “deprived the city of the projected benefits and income that can derived from them.”
“It is recommended that the Chief Executive should follow up the turn over of these priority projects. If the contractor is in default, impose sanctions like liquidated damages and penalties,” auditors said in their report of the city's finances for last year.
The auditors also noted lapses in sourcing funds worth P6 million which the Lapu Lapu City government spent in 2008 on three expenditures.
Among the questioned appropriations were the P2.8 million spent for the city's beautification program, the P2.9 million spent for janitorial supplies and the P391,590 allocated for the Sinulog Grand Festival expenses.
The audit report said the city's beautification program was funded from the P11.6 million released by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
It also noted that Sinulog expenses was charged to the Special Education Fund (SEF) even if the activity “did not fall within the priority expenses (for said appropriation).”
source
Accountable officials concerned should be made answerable for these anomalies!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
PSU marks 30th year; confers doctorate degree to COA chief
By Danny O Sagun
Dagupan City - The Pangasinan State University marked today its 15th Biennial Celebration with the theme "PSU at 30: Sustaining a Culture of Responsibility, Integrity and Excelence."
Several activities were held including the conferment of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) to Commission on Audit chair Reynaldo A. Villar who delivered the keynote address as guest of honor and speaker during a program at the PSU Convention Hall at the university’s main campus in Lingayen town.
Dr. Victoriano C. Estira, PSU president, assisted by Dr. Lauro B Tacbas, who is president of PASUC and UNP, and Dr. Caridad O. Abuan, OIC-Director of the Commission on Higher Education, conferred the honorary degree to the proud son of Sto. Tomas town. Villar is the elder brother of Undersecretary Antonio "Bebot" Villar, who is chair of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG).
Another highlight of the celebration was the turn-over of funding check for the operationalization of the Pangasinan Institute of Environmental Governance by engineer Federico E. Puno, president and chief executive officer of Team Energy Foundation Inc., which operates the Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant.
The 30th founding anniversary celebration started Tuesday with campus level activities in Bayambang, San Carlos City, Asingan, Infanta, Urdaneta City, Sta. Maria, Binmaley, Lingayen and Alaminos City.
Other events for the four-day celebration include exhibit and trade fair, street dancing and cultural presentation, search for Mr. and Miss PSU Biennial 2009, sportsfest, medical mission, talent showdown and grand fellowship and awards night on the fourth day.
Estira, who last week guested at the weekly KBP Forum at the Philippine Information Agency office, proudly announced that the state university is number one in Region 1 and number seven on passing percentage in the nursing board, while its engineering department based in Urdaneta is number one in the region and number six in the country among state colleges and universities.
The university also saw increase in the number of enrollees from 9,000 to 12,000 when it adopted the open admission system, he bared. He quickly clarified that the government-run educational facility maintains its level of excellence in spite of the open system.
On the proliferation of local government-operated universities which is being protested by private schools, Estira explained that the law allows the establishment of such institutions if the city or the first class town can support them. "Kung kaya ng kanilang budget, puede silang mag-operate ng university," he said. But the Commission on Higher Education, he stressed, should see to it that said learning institutions conform to standards.
The Urdaneta City University and the Eastern Pangasinan University in Binalonan are two examples of LGU-run universities.
Private school owners have complained that their schools undergo several years of efficient operation for them to attain college or university status. Yet LGUs, they pointed out, can just put up their colleges or universities without going thru tedious processes.
Estira noted however that government-run institutions charge "pang-masa" tuition fees like PSU.
source
Congrats Chairman Villar!
Dagupan City - The Pangasinan State University marked today its 15th Biennial Celebration with the theme "PSU at 30: Sustaining a Culture of Responsibility, Integrity and Excelence."
Several activities were held including the conferment of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) to Commission on Audit chair Reynaldo A. Villar who delivered the keynote address as guest of honor and speaker during a program at the PSU Convention Hall at the university’s main campus in Lingayen town.
Dr. Victoriano C. Estira, PSU president, assisted by Dr. Lauro B Tacbas, who is president of PASUC and UNP, and Dr. Caridad O. Abuan, OIC-Director of the Commission on Higher Education, conferred the honorary degree to the proud son of Sto. Tomas town. Villar is the elder brother of Undersecretary Antonio "Bebot" Villar, who is chair of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG).
Another highlight of the celebration was the turn-over of funding check for the operationalization of the Pangasinan Institute of Environmental Governance by engineer Federico E. Puno, president and chief executive officer of Team Energy Foundation Inc., which operates the Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant.
The 30th founding anniversary celebration started Tuesday with campus level activities in Bayambang, San Carlos City, Asingan, Infanta, Urdaneta City, Sta. Maria, Binmaley, Lingayen and Alaminos City.
Other events for the four-day celebration include exhibit and trade fair, street dancing and cultural presentation, search for Mr. and Miss PSU Biennial 2009, sportsfest, medical mission, talent showdown and grand fellowship and awards night on the fourth day.
Estira, who last week guested at the weekly KBP Forum at the Philippine Information Agency office, proudly announced that the state university is number one in Region 1 and number seven on passing percentage in the nursing board, while its engineering department based in Urdaneta is number one in the region and number six in the country among state colleges and universities.
The university also saw increase in the number of enrollees from 9,000 to 12,000 when it adopted the open admission system, he bared. He quickly clarified that the government-run educational facility maintains its level of excellence in spite of the open system.
On the proliferation of local government-operated universities which is being protested by private schools, Estira explained that the law allows the establishment of such institutions if the city or the first class town can support them. "Kung kaya ng kanilang budget, puede silang mag-operate ng university," he said. But the Commission on Higher Education, he stressed, should see to it that said learning institutions conform to standards.
The Urdaneta City University and the Eastern Pangasinan University in Binalonan are two examples of LGU-run universities.
Private school owners have complained that their schools undergo several years of efficient operation for them to attain college or university status. Yet LGUs, they pointed out, can just put up their colleges or universities without going thru tedious processes.
Estira noted however that government-run institutions charge "pang-masa" tuition fees like PSU.
source
Congrats Chairman Villar!
Ombudsman ‘special ops’ net guv’s vehicles, 11 others for unofficial use
By Florence F. Hibionada
It may have been a ‘Thank-God-It’s -Friday (TGIF)’ for private citizens at the end of last week’s workweek. Yet for all those under government employ on board 13 government-issued vehicles spotted and apprehended by the Ombudsman, it was certainly one rotten late Friday evening.
More so for those on board the two Capitol-issued vehicles of Governor Niel Tupas.
Barely had the media and public uproar been over on the issue of illegal siren use, it is back in the limelight anew for the governor’s government-issued Nissan Patrol vehicles.
And from the now controversial one Nissan Patrol with “red plate” SGF 898, it became two “GOVERNOR” vehicles. This, following late Friday evening’s special operations of the Ombudsman task force out on a mission to stop improper use of said government vehicles.
The News Today (TNT) in a report gathered that a total of 13 government vehicles were spotted and/or apprehended.
The Ombudsman team was aided by task force members comprised by an official from the Commission on Audit (COA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Media presence was also allowed with an earlier briefing that laid down the parameters of the press coverage.
Dubbed “Task Force Operation Plan Red Plate,” it was to be the second “special ops” of the anti-graft body in Iloilo City. The team had surprise checkpoints in strategic entry and exit points to and from the city. Such as another mobile team went around to check on the city’s nightspots for parked government-cars.
The law is crystal clear, the Ombudsman here stressed, on the prohibition of unofficial use of “red plate” or government-issued vehicles. Any use beyond office hours particularly in nightspots and elsewhere must be accompanied by duly accomplished trip tickets.
Some four hours into the operation, TNT got confirmation of a “chase” with subjects – two black vehicles with “GOVERNOR” plates of Governor Tupas. No specifics were however revealed on the exact location of the initial sighting or up to where the chase ended. No details released too on the identities of those on board.
By Saturday morning though, TNT got word that the “GOVERNOR” vehicles were indeed recorded by the Ombudsman Task Force as “apprehended.” Another report also came in on one vehicle spotted and believed to have been issued for the city mayor’s official use. However belated developments stated that only the two “GOVERNOR” vehicles were in said “apprehended” report.
“They never thought that we will pursue them. Everything would be okay if only they cooperated with us by stopping at our checkpoint but they chose to be pursued,” TNT was told.
The Ombudsman-led team had “spotters” in place in various areas of the city and alerted the task force of an incoming red-plate vehicle.
With uniformed police officers in tow, team members then flagged down the subject vehicle and proceeded to seek authority to be out in such late Friday evening.
A check was then made on trip tickets present, proper marking of “For Official Use Only” on the vehicle, the driver’s license, vehicle documents and license plates.
The Task Force Red Plate will pursue charges on the violators – those on board the vehicle established to have been on unofficial use and to the official or head of office that the vehicle was issued.
source
Operation red plate should go on and on so that violators will be apprehended and gasoline consumption can be minimized, and utilize only for official use.
It may have been a ‘Thank-God-It’s -Friday (TGIF)’ for private citizens at the end of last week’s workweek. Yet for all those under government employ on board 13 government-issued vehicles spotted and apprehended by the Ombudsman, it was certainly one rotten late Friday evening.
More so for those on board the two Capitol-issued vehicles of Governor Niel Tupas.
Barely had the media and public uproar been over on the issue of illegal siren use, it is back in the limelight anew for the governor’s government-issued Nissan Patrol vehicles.
And from the now controversial one Nissan Patrol with “red plate” SGF 898, it became two “GOVERNOR” vehicles. This, following late Friday evening’s special operations of the Ombudsman task force out on a mission to stop improper use of said government vehicles.
The News Today (TNT) in a report gathered that a total of 13 government vehicles were spotted and/or apprehended.
The Ombudsman team was aided by task force members comprised by an official from the Commission on Audit (COA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Media presence was also allowed with an earlier briefing that laid down the parameters of the press coverage.
Dubbed “Task Force Operation Plan Red Plate,” it was to be the second “special ops” of the anti-graft body in Iloilo City. The team had surprise checkpoints in strategic entry and exit points to and from the city. Such as another mobile team went around to check on the city’s nightspots for parked government-cars.
The law is crystal clear, the Ombudsman here stressed, on the prohibition of unofficial use of “red plate” or government-issued vehicles. Any use beyond office hours particularly in nightspots and elsewhere must be accompanied by duly accomplished trip tickets.
Some four hours into the operation, TNT got confirmation of a “chase” with subjects – two black vehicles with “GOVERNOR” plates of Governor Tupas. No specifics were however revealed on the exact location of the initial sighting or up to where the chase ended. No details released too on the identities of those on board.
By Saturday morning though, TNT got word that the “GOVERNOR” vehicles were indeed recorded by the Ombudsman Task Force as “apprehended.” Another report also came in on one vehicle spotted and believed to have been issued for the city mayor’s official use. However belated developments stated that only the two “GOVERNOR” vehicles were in said “apprehended” report.
“They never thought that we will pursue them. Everything would be okay if only they cooperated with us by stopping at our checkpoint but they chose to be pursued,” TNT was told.
The Ombudsman-led team had “spotters” in place in various areas of the city and alerted the task force of an incoming red-plate vehicle.
With uniformed police officers in tow, team members then flagged down the subject vehicle and proceeded to seek authority to be out in such late Friday evening.
A check was then made on trip tickets present, proper marking of “For Official Use Only” on the vehicle, the driver’s license, vehicle documents and license plates.
The Task Force Red Plate will pursue charges on the violators – those on board the vehicle established to have been on unofficial use and to the official or head of office that the vehicle was issued.
source
Operation red plate should go on and on so that violators will be apprehended and gasoline consumption can be minimized, and utilize only for official use.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Essential Guide to Security Audits
Security audits are typically conducted for the purposes of business-information security, risk management and regulatory compliance. If performed correctly, a security audit can reveal weaknesses in technologies, practices, employees and other key areas. The process can also help companies save money by finding more efficient ways to protect IT hardware and software, as well as by enabling businesses to get a better handle on the application and use of security technologies and processes. As bothersome as security audits are, business owners, executives and IT managers who truly understand them realize that periodic examinations can actually help ensure that security strategies are in sync with overall business activities and goals.
Audit Practices and Activities
There is no standard security-audit process, but auditors typically accomplish their job though personal interviews, vulnerability scans, examination of OS and security-application settings, and network analyses, as well as by studying historical data such as event logs. Auditors also focus on the business's security policies to determine what they cover, how they are used and whether they are effective at meeting ongoing and future threats.
CAATs (Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques) are often employed to help auditors gain insight into a business's IT infrastructure in order to spot potential security weaknesses. CAATs use system-generated audit reports, as well as monitoring technology, to detect and report changes to a system's files and settings. CAATs can be used with desktop computers, servers, mainframe computers, network routers and switches, and an array of other systems and devices.
While CAATs can provide definitive data on business systems, auditors must also keep an eye on activities and practices that are not easily quantifiable. Some of the key questions that an auditor must ask include:
Who is in charge of security, and who does this person report to?
Have ACLs (Access Control Lists) been placed on network devices to control who has access to shared data?
How are passwords created and managed?
Are there audit logs to record who accesses data?
Who reviews the audit logs, and how often are they examined?
Are the security settings for OSes and applications in accordance with accepted industry security practices?
Have unnecessary applications and services been purged from systems? How often does this task take place?
Are all OSes and applications updated to current levels?
How is backup media stored? Who has access to it? Is it up-to-date?
How is email security addressed?
How is Web security addressed?
How is wireless security addressed?
Are remote workers covered by security policies?
Is a disaster-recovery plan in place? Has the plan ever been rehearsed?
Have custom applications been tested for security flaws?
How are configuration and code changes documented? How often are these records reviewed?
Many other questions pertaining to the exact nature of the business's operations also must be addressed.
Auditors
An auditor's skills and affiliations depend on the nature of the audit and the audited company's business focus. An internal audit will usually draw auditors from within the business's own IT and accounting departments. Alternatively, a company may hire a security consultant to handle the job. A financial institution or other business working in a regulated industry will often find itself dealing with federal and state regulators. Auditors may also be sent to a business by private standards-setting bodies and other industry organizations.
Aftermath and Follow-Up
Shortly after the audit concludes, the auditors will usually brief a company's owners, executives and managers on what they've discovered and if any immediate remedial action is necessary. A few days or weeks later, the auditors usually issue a formal report. Stakeholders can use both the meeting and the report as opportunities to gain insight into their security practices and make improvements.
While a security audit is usually a specific event, IT security is an ongoing process. As a business designs, deploys and maintains its security policies, technologies and practices, it should strive to maintain a constant state of preparedness that will allow it to pass a security audit at any given moment.
source
Security audits are important nowadays because many accounting systems are now computerized and organizations have to protect the interests of their companies.
Audit Practices and Activities
There is no standard security-audit process, but auditors typically accomplish their job though personal interviews, vulnerability scans, examination of OS and security-application settings, and network analyses, as well as by studying historical data such as event logs. Auditors also focus on the business's security policies to determine what they cover, how they are used and whether they are effective at meeting ongoing and future threats.
CAATs (Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques) are often employed to help auditors gain insight into a business's IT infrastructure in order to spot potential security weaknesses. CAATs use system-generated audit reports, as well as monitoring technology, to detect and report changes to a system's files and settings. CAATs can be used with desktop computers, servers, mainframe computers, network routers and switches, and an array of other systems and devices.
While CAATs can provide definitive data on business systems, auditors must also keep an eye on activities and practices that are not easily quantifiable. Some of the key questions that an auditor must ask include:
Who is in charge of security, and who does this person report to?
Have ACLs (Access Control Lists) been placed on network devices to control who has access to shared data?
How are passwords created and managed?
Are there audit logs to record who accesses data?
Who reviews the audit logs, and how often are they examined?
Are the security settings for OSes and applications in accordance with accepted industry security practices?
Have unnecessary applications and services been purged from systems? How often does this task take place?
Are all OSes and applications updated to current levels?
How is backup media stored? Who has access to it? Is it up-to-date?
How is email security addressed?
How is Web security addressed?
How is wireless security addressed?
Are remote workers covered by security policies?
Is a disaster-recovery plan in place? Has the plan ever been rehearsed?
Have custom applications been tested for security flaws?
How are configuration and code changes documented? How often are these records reviewed?
Many other questions pertaining to the exact nature of the business's operations also must be addressed.
Auditors
An auditor's skills and affiliations depend on the nature of the audit and the audited company's business focus. An internal audit will usually draw auditors from within the business's own IT and accounting departments. Alternatively, a company may hire a security consultant to handle the job. A financial institution or other business working in a regulated industry will often find itself dealing with federal and state regulators. Auditors may also be sent to a business by private standards-setting bodies and other industry organizations.
Aftermath and Follow-Up
Shortly after the audit concludes, the auditors will usually brief a company's owners, executives and managers on what they've discovered and if any immediate remedial action is necessary. A few days or weeks later, the auditors usually issue a formal report. Stakeholders can use both the meeting and the report as opportunities to gain insight into their security practices and make improvements.
While a security audit is usually a specific event, IT security is an ongoing process. As a business designs, deploys and maintains its security policies, technologies and practices, it should strive to maintain a constant state of preparedness that will allow it to pass a security audit at any given moment.
source
Security audits are important nowadays because many accounting systems are now computerized and organizations have to protect the interests of their companies.
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