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Former Albay Governor Noel Rosal Responds To COA Order: 'We Stand Firm, But The Case Isn't Over Yet'
Photo credit: Noel Rosal
Former Albay Governor Noel Rosal recently found himself in the spotlight after a COA decision circulated online, which has led to quite the stir.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered Rosal, his wife—Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal—and several other officials to return over P60 million to the government. This stems from financial distributions made during the 2022 election period, which COA claims violated election rules.
But before we dive deeper, let’s break it down.
The COA’s Decision
The controversy centers around two main issues: financial aid given to tricycle drivers and senior citizens in Legazpi City during the 2022 election campaign, and the Employee Welfare Assistance (EWA) provided to city officials and employees.
First up, COA found that P26 million in financial aid was distributed to tricycle drivers and indigent senior citizens right before the elections. This move was flagged by COA as a breach of the election ban on public spending. The distribution of these funds not only led to Noel Rosal's disqualification as governor but also had implications for his wife, who was running for mayor at the time.
Adding to the complications, COA also ordered the return of P38.1 million that had been distributed as Employee Welfare Assistance (EWA) to city officials and employees under Legazpi City’s 2022 budget. COA’s regional office had earlier nullified this distribution, citing a lack of authority under the Salary Standardization Law.
Rosal's Response
So, what does Noel Rosal have to say about all this? In a statement shared online, the former governor expressed his frustration but chose to exercise caution. While acknowledging the buzz around the COA decision, Rosal made it clear that he hasn't received an official copy yet and can't confirm its authenticity.
But Rosal didn't stop there. He stood by his decision to distribute the financial aid, arguing that it was done in good faith and was fully justified. He also emphasized that the case is far from over and that he plans to continue fighting it in court until the highest tribunal makes a final ruling.
In the meantime, Rosal urged everyone to approach the situation with a critical eye, warning that deception is often a tool used by those with less than honorable intentions.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered Rosal, his wife—Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal—and several other officials to return over P60 million to the government. This stems from financial distributions made during the 2022 election period, which COA claims violated election rules.
But before we dive deeper, let’s break it down.
The COA’s Decision
The controversy centers around two main issues: financial aid given to tricycle drivers and senior citizens in Legazpi City during the 2022 election campaign, and the Employee Welfare Assistance (EWA) provided to city officials and employees.
First up, COA found that P26 million in financial aid was distributed to tricycle drivers and indigent senior citizens right before the elections. This move was flagged by COA as a breach of the election ban on public spending. The distribution of these funds not only led to Noel Rosal's disqualification as governor but also had implications for his wife, who was running for mayor at the time.
Adding to the complications, COA also ordered the return of P38.1 million that had been distributed as Employee Welfare Assistance (EWA) to city officials and employees under Legazpi City’s 2022 budget. COA’s regional office had earlier nullified this distribution, citing a lack of authority under the Salary Standardization Law.
Rosal's Response
So, what does Noel Rosal have to say about all this? In a statement shared online, the former governor expressed his frustration but chose to exercise caution. While acknowledging the buzz around the COA decision, Rosal made it clear that he hasn't received an official copy yet and can't confirm its authenticity.
But Rosal didn't stop there. He stood by his decision to distribute the financial aid, arguing that it was done in good faith and was fully justified. He also emphasized that the case is far from over and that he plans to continue fighting it in court until the highest tribunal makes a final ruling.
In the meantime, Rosal urged everyone to approach the situation with a critical eye, warning that deception is often a tool used by those with less than honorable intentions.
Aug 12, 2024
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