SC upholds P1.3-M audit disallowance but absolves some Muntinlupa school officials

The Supreme Court partly granted a petition challenging a Commission on Audit (COA) disallowance of PHP 1,393,520.21 covering payments for the repair and rehabilitation of retaining walls at Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS). The Court upheld the disallowance itself but ruled that, because the net disallowed amount is deemed nil, approving officers Estrella C. Aseron and Elmer J. Manzana—though liable—are not required to return any amount, while three other officials were absolved from liability because their participation was merely ministerial.