Bill pushes liquidation of cash advances within 6 months

Following reports of unliquidated cash advances reaching P5 billion in 2011 alone, a lawmaker has sought for the filing of malversation of public funds charges against public officials who fail to liquidate cash advances within 180 days.

Rep. Roman Romulo of Pasig filed House Bill 1287 that seeks to amend the Revised Penal Code by providing that the failure of the public officer or employee, who was previously granted a cash advance, to liquidate the same after the purpose for which it was given has been served within the five to 180 days will be a prima facie proof of malversation or misappropriation of the fund received.