Problems at PCC continue

There appears to be no end to the problems afflicting the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (PCC-NSW).

The recent conflict between the Philippine Australian Disaster Emergency Relief (PADER) committee and PCC board seems to have prompted the withdrawal of the De La Salle Alumni Association from what is supposed to be the peak body of Filipino associations in NSW.  According to a letter signed by La Salle Alumni president Eduardo Davila, the decision to terminate their membership was unanimously approved by the current board.

The Ateneo Alumni Association of Australia may soon follow the lead initiated by La Salle.

Audit by PCC’s External Auditor

Mr. Leo Ceniza said that he is having problems in conducting an audit of the financial condition of PCC. Several weeks ago, the Certified Practising Accountant sent a letter to PCC asking for its financial records. The Immediate Past President Atoy Sayas could not provide the required documents as there was no official turnover of accountabilities during the previous term of Elsa Collado. The incumbent PCC Treasurer is Millie Banan who claimed that the records were sent but Ceniza denied receipt.

What is preventing the current PCC board from delivering its financial records to Mr. Ceniza? Are they trying to hide something? With the recent unauthorised withdrawal of $3,300 made from the PADER account, it is imperative that they cooperate with the external auditor. Any further delay in the submission of records makes things even more suspicious.

The Office of Fair Trading requires annual submission of an audited financial statement of every registered association. Prudence demands that every new administration should conduct a “due diligence” or a research and analysis of the financial condition of the company or organization.

Dino Crescini

Updated: 2013-08-07 — 19:36:08