The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged financial issues in the municipality of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, raising concerns about the town’s financial management and transparency.
A 2024 COA report highlighted ongoing problems despite previous recommendations to address them.
As of the end of 2023, the COA found that the local government had yet to fully implement 22 recommendations made following an audit in 2022. These issues included violations of the Local Government Code (RA 7160), improper procurement practices, unauthorized travel, and irregularities in land titling and cash advances.
The 2023 audit revealed a new set of problems, including a P46.988 million discrepancy in the town’s financial statement, as well as a cash deficit of P21.129 million. The town’s general fund balance stood at only P2.548 million, while its obligations and liabilities totaled P23.678 million.
COA recommended that the municipality streamline administrative processes, reduce non-essential expenses, and improve cost efficiency to address the financial issues. It also flagged a P16.086 million deficit caused by declining revenues and rising expenses, which could impact the delivery of essential services.
