MoESD fails to explain P1.7 million overpay

This brought displeasure to members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with suspicions that it could have been a result of corruption. The details of the said contract were however not revealed. One of the officers accompanying Mooko could not provide an explanation, and only that they will adjust when making the next payment to the contractor. “This was an interim certification, the overpayment will be adjusted during the next certification stage, that is when we will pay them with the deficit,” the officer stated. He said it was a mistake, but would not explain what led to the mistake.

Contacted for advice by the PAC chairperson Abram Kesupile, the Account General distanced themselves form the procedure stating that contractors are only to be paid what is due to them. “This has never happened before. Contractors are paid based on the progress made as measured, there is no explanation for this,” the Accountant General stated.