SCOA flags common audit findings, proposes stricter controls

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Student Commission on Audit (PLM SCOA) flagged recurring audit deficiencies among student councils and organizations and proposed stricter financial controls to strengthen financial accountability in its Annual Audit and Accomplishment Report covering the March 2025-2026 audit period. 

According to the report, common findings included bookkeeping errors, unseparated personal and organizational funds, weak segregation of financial duties, reliance on unofficial and altered receipts, delayed compliance with audit requirements, deficiencies in required documents, and inadequate turnover and transition procedures for treasury officers. 

In addition, financial issues among suspended councils and organizations ranged from about PHP 1,000 to PHP 500,000, prompting the urgency for more appropriate intervention.

The Commission also cited instances of non-compliance with post-activity documentary requirements, Completed Staff Work (CSW), and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for external partnerships, as well as deviations from the General Plan of Action (GPOA) without proper documentation and approval. Low accomplishment rates from approved GPOA activities due to funding constraints and poor planning were also observed.

To address these issues, the Commission stressed the need for stricter implementation of the Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS) guidelines on sanctions, noting that its enforcement has remained “limited.” SCOA observed that suspended councils were still allowed to conduct financial activities, undermining the intent of such policies. It also noted that the PLM Student Manual lacks mechanisms to hold individual student leaders accountable for major financial violations.

In response, SCOA proposed clearer measures such as non-accreditation and suspension for organizations issued with an Adverse or Disclaimer of Opinion, structured settlement of unresolved audit findings during suspension periods, and referral of serious cases such as fund misappropriation or forgery to OSDS for investigation in line with the university's policies and Philippine laws.

Sanctions directed at individual officers were also recommended, including suspension, removal from office, or disqualification from future posts, to ensure both organizational and individual accountability.

Moreover, the Commission called for closer cooperation with the concerned university offices to streamline audits, prevent discrepancies, and ensure consistent policy implementation. The proposal includes joint consultations, training programs, an integrated document system, and a formal settlement policy for organizations issued with a Disclaimer of Opinion.

To strengthen financial management, SCOA pushed for separate bank accounts, mandatory turnover documentation during accreditation, and establishing stricter system-wide guidelines and internal policies to protect funds and reinforce audit trails. The report likewise underscored the need for financial literacy training among treasurers and auditors, especially those outside business courses. 

These recommendations outlined by the Commission aim to establish stronger accountability measures, improve financial governance, and ensure consistent audit practices across student councils and organizations amidst recurring findings.