BY CARLA P. GOMEZ
Saturday, June 15, 2019

Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said yesterday that he has obtained the guidelines needed for the release of funds for Sangguniang Kabataan projects and honorariums of SK officials, which have not been given since they assumed office last year.

The SK councils have not been able to use their mandated funds because of the alleged lack of Implementing Rules and Regulations and guidelines, he said.

They said the Commission on Audit did not allow the allocations because it was waiting for the IRR, only to find out that it has been finished and a joint circular has already been issued that, unfortunately, was not disseminated to the regional offices, Benitez said.

He called the chairman of the COA to ask if the circular could be issued to everybody so the funds could be released, Benitez added.

The fund comprises 10 percent of barangay revenues, which should be disbursed solely for youth development and empowerment purposes, he said.

A Department of Budget and Management, Department of Interior and Local Government, and National Youth Commission joint memorandum circular dated Jan. 23, 2019 obtained by Benitez sets the guidelines for the appropriation, release, planning and budgeting process for the SK funds.

The guidelines, a copy of which was furnished the DAILY STAR by Benitez, states that the SK funds should be deposited by the barangay in the current account of the SK not later than five working days after crediting of the monthly Internal Revenue Allotment share of the barangay, consistent with the rules and regulations set by the COA.

All undisbursed SK funds as of Dec. 31, 2018, under the custody of the barangay should be transferred to the current account of the SK for utilization, it added.

Negros Occidental SK president Pacholo Yuvienco said the implementation of the SK projects has been hampered by the delay in the release of the funds.*