The House Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Abang-Lingkod Party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, continued its investigation into the P1.5 billion financial transaction involving the Silang, Cavite municipal government in 2023 that lacked proper documentation in violation of government rules.
Paduano emphasized the committee’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability,
“In the interest of transparency, accountability, and justice, we must ensure that all questions are addressed and any irregularities are thoroughly investigated,” the legislator said.
Silang Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna denied any involvement in corruption or bribery, attributing delays in the submission of disbursement vouchers to procedural issues.
Among the resource speakers were former Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) secretariat members Dolores Jeaneth Bawalan and Merlinda Cabrera.
Rizal Representative Jojo Garcia questioned Bawalan about her awareness of procurement irregularities before her retirement.
Bawalan admitted noticing delayed disbursement vouchers and reporting the matter in 2023. She stopped after feeling threatened.
“Kapag nagtanong ako, lumalabas na kontrabida po ako.”
“Kapag nagtanong ako, lumalabas na kontrabida po ako,” Bawalan explained, citing pressure to retire early.
BAC chairperson Nathaniel Anarna Jr. denied threatening any BAC member and acknowledged receiving two notices of disallowance from the Commission on Audit.
“There 133 unflagged transactions of the municipal government, and these kinds of transactions should not be tolerated.”
Garcia also expressed concern about 133 unflagged transactions of the municipal government, emphasizing these kinds of transactions should not be tolerated.
Several lawmakers, including Antipolo City Representative Romeo Acop, scrutinized the legality of appointing Mayor Anarna’s brother as both municipal administrator and BAC head, citing potential nepotism and violations under Section 4 of PD 807 and Supreme Court rulings.
The brothers defended their actions, stating that procurement laws lack explicit prohibitions on such appointments.
The panel also delved into fuel procurement irregularities involving Corban Logistics.
Acop questioned the lack of documentation related to the establishment of a gasoline station on municipal property without rent or lease agreements, raising concerns of potential legal violations by the Anarna brothers.
