CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY(December 22) — The provincial government of Misamis Occidental has drawn a firm line against paying for so-called “ghost deliveries,” reiterating that all supply transactions must pass strict verification before public funds are released.
In a statement on Sunday, provincial legal officer-in-charge Lulu Enerio rejected claims by Limars Ramil that the province failed to pay for delivered supplies, saying the allegations lack factual and documentary basis.
“These transactions did not have the required proof of delivery,” Enerio said, noting the absence of key documents such as Acceptance Reports, Inspection Reports, and verified delivery records—requirements mandated under government auditing rules.
She stressed that without complete documentation, payments cannot be processed, in compliance with regulations of the Commission on Audit.
“All government transactions must be supported by proper and verifiable records. This is non-negotiable,” she added.
The provincial government said Ramil was a former supplier during the previous administration and later ran for mayor in the municipality of Tudela.
While stopping short of directly attributing motive, officials said the online statements alleging non-payment appeared to have political undertones.
Enerio emphasized that the current provincial leadership applies the same standards to all transactions, regardless of when they were made.
“Our administration adheres to strict principles of good governance. Every claim—past or present—is reviewed and verified before any payment is approved,” she said.
The provincial government also warned against spreading unverified or fabricated claims, saying these undermine transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds.
Officials said the firm stance reflects the province’s broader push to strengthen checks and balances in procurement and financial management, ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent only on legitimate, properly documented transactions.
