COA FLAGS PROCUREMENT TRANSPARENCY GAPS — CCWI TO SEEK INCLUSION OF EX-GOV. LUIGI VILLAFUERTE IN CASE
July 16, 2026
CAMARINES SUR — Procurement transparency in the Province of Camarines Sur is facing renewed scrutiny following findings cited by CCWI from the Commission on Audit’s 2023 Annual Audit Report.
Among the issues highlighted by CCWI are:
- Procurement information reportedly not posted in accordance with applicable GPPB requirements;
- ₱52.48 million in N95 mask procurement described in the audit findings as not properly planned and efficiently carried out;
- ₱544,745.25 spent for website maintenance from 2021–2023, while procurement information was reportedly unavailable; and
- Questions surrounding the accessibility and completeness of the provincial website’s procurement disclosures.
CCWI says these findings raise important questions about transparency, procurement planning, public disclosure, and accountability in the use of provincial funds.
CCWI TO SEEK FURTHER LEGAL REVIEW
In response, CCWI said it intends to file a supplemental motion seeking the inclusion of former Governor Luigi Villafuerte as a respondent in its earlier case concerning alleged procurement irregularities.
The move, according to CCWI, is based on its review of the COA findings and related public records. Any allegations remain subject to the appropriate proceedings and determination by the competent authorities.
PUBLIC FUNDS REQUIRE PUBLIC SCRUTINY
For CCWI, the issue goes beyond individual transactions. It concerns whether taxpayers are being given sufficient access to information about how public money is planned, awarded, spent, and accounted for.
Public funds demand transparency. Public trust demands accountability.
CARLO BATALLA, Ph.D.
Chairman/President | CCWI
CCWI MOVES TO INCLUDE FORMER CAMARINES SUR GOVERNOR IN OMBUDSMAN PROCEEDINGS
July 18, 2026 | MEDIA/PUBLIC ADVISORY
CAMARINES SUR — CCWI is taking another legal step in its continuing pursuit of transparency and accountability in Camarines Sur.
CCWI Chairman/President Carlo Batalla, Ph.D. announced an advance copy of a Supplemental Motion for submission before the Office of the Ombudsman, in connection with OMB Docket No. IC-01-MAY 26-0601.
The motion seeks to implead former Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte in the ongoing proceedings.
Batalla said the filing was also prompted by the encouragement of his townmate and friend, Emman Gonzales, whose support encouraged him to pursue the matter further through the appropriate legal process.
“This is about ensuring that the issues are properly addressed within the Ombudsman’s docket and that the relevant records and concerns receive appropriate review.”
The proposed inclusion of Villafuerte remains subject to the Ombudsman’s evaluation and determination.
