The National | Jesher Tilto | April 8, 2025
More than 70 MP's are yet to submit acquittals for their 2024 Service Improvement Programme (SIP) funds to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD).
Acting secretary Aihi Vaki said only 43 out of the 118 MPS had submitted their acquittals as of yesterday.
The 43 MPs were from East New Britain, Gazelle, Kokopo,Pomio,Rabaul,Rigo, Popondetta,Western Highlands, Hagen, Henganofi, Kompiam-Ambum, Lufa, Nakani, Daulo, Tambul Nebilyer, South Bouganville, Gilala, Gulf, Jiwaka, Jimi, Anglimp South Waghi, Chimbu, Kerowagi, Kundiawa-Gembolg, Sinasina-Yongmugl, Chuave,Goroka,Daulo, Obura-wonenara, Abau, Maprik, Madang, Sohe, Kairiku, Namatanai, Enga, Tari-Pori,Pogera Paiela, Wapenamanda, Southern Highlands, Mendi-Munihu and Central.
However, the Ombudsman Commissions (OC) in February had directed all MPs to acquit their 2024 provincial service improvement program (PSIP) funds and district service improvement programme (DSIP) funds by March 31st.
The OC said failure to do so could prompt further enquiry under the Leadership Code, a code of ethics that leaders are expected to know and follow that was set up by the Constitution.
"It has been a great concern to the Ombudsman Commission through out the years that the acquittals remain outstanding for many years, hence this directive," the OC statement said.
"Copies of the acquittals must be sent to the Ombudsman Commission throughout its regional offices and its head office in Port Moresby before or by 31st March, 2025.
"It is important that directive is complied with as non-compliance will result in charges of misconduct in office under section 23 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership."
OC said that without acquittals, it was difficult to determine the manner in which the projects have been procured and weather they are public in nature with maximum public benefit.
"The Ombudsman Commission is committed to upholding the standards of integrity and accountability of leaders and calls on governors and members of the districts as the chairmen of the provincial executive council and chairmen of the boards of district development authorities respectively to comply with this direction.
OC said the relevant laws regulating the application and acquittal of the public money that comes into the possession and control of provinces and districts included Section 102 of the Public Finance (Management) Act 1995 and Section 34 of the District Development Act 2014.
"Failure to comply with the existing laws and policies guiding the requirement for acquittals constitutes a breach and can prompt further enquiry under the Leadership Code," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Vaki said all MPs yet to submit acquittals for their 2024- SIP Funds to the department could still do so.
He said more MPS had assured him that they would present their acquittals in due course.
He said despite the directives form the OC for all MPs to submit their required acquittals by March 31, his department would still accept them.
DIRD focuses more on monitoring the implementation, performance audit and reporting of developments by the 118 sub national administrations.
The OC, among its other functions, supervises and enforces the Leadership Code by conducting investigations into the actions of leaders.