Pre shipment inspection 163m from the nations purse without appropriation

A very specific and interesting topic!

Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a process where a third-party inspector examines goods before they are shipped out of the country to ensure compliance with regulations, quality standards, and other requirements. In the context of the Philippines, PSI is a common practice to ensure that goods exported from the country meet the required standards and regulations.

The issue you're referring to is likely related to the controversy surrounding the use of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the implementing agency for PSI, which has been criticized for allegedly diverting funds intended for PSI to other purposes without proper appropriation.

Here's a brief background:

In 2019, the Philippine government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the PSI program. The PNP was tasked to conduct PSI on goods exported from the Philippines, with the goal of ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.

However, in 2020, the Commission on Audit (COA) discovered that the PNP had allegedly misused funds intended for PSI, using them instead for other purposes without proper appropriation. The COA reported that the PNP had spent around PHP 163 million (approximately USD 3.2 million) on PSI without any appropriation from the national budget.

The controversy surrounding the use of PNP funds for PSI without appropriation has sparked concerns about the transparency and accountability of the government's use of public funds. Critics argue that the PNP's involvement in PSI has led to inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement of funds.

In response to the controversy, the Philippine government has taken steps to address the issue. In 2020, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced that it would take over the implementation of PSI, replacing the PNP as the implementing agency. The DOF has also vowed to ensure that PSI funds are properly accounted for and used for their intended purpose.

In summary, the controversy surrounding the use of PNP funds for PSI without appropriation is a significant issue in the Philippines, highlighting concerns about transparency, accountability, and the effective use of public funds. The government's decision to transfer the implementation of PSI to the DOF is a step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the program is implemented in a more transparent and accountable manner.