Audit Exposes Massive Irregularities at Dominican Childcare Institute

Dominican Republic: Audit Uncovers Millions in Irregular Contracts at Childcare Institute Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – A recent audit by the Chamber of Accounts has revealed significant financial irregularities within the National Institute for Comprehensive Attention to Early Childhood (INAIPI) during the 2016-2020 period. The audit uncovered over 800 million pesos in irregular contracts, prompting concerns about transparency and accountability within the institution. The audit detailed several instances of mismanagement. One example involved a 531.7 million peso purchase declared as an emergency, despite being included in the annual procurement plan. Furthermore, 11 suppliers failed to deliver products after receiving 20% of the contract value as an advance payment, totaling 106.3 million pesos. Another 12 contracts, worth 312.8 million pesos, were awarded to bidders who failed to meet technical requirements. "These findings represent a significant loss to the state and constitute a transgression of legal regulations," said a spokesperson for the Chamber of Accounts. The audit also highlighted a 426.5 million peso discrepancy between the budgetary execution and the digital payroll for 2019 and 2020. Former INAUPI directors, Bernarliza Franco and Kenya Lora, have responded to the allegations, claiming their actions were in accordance with the law. The Chamber of Accounts has referred its findings to the Public Ministry for further investigation. This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and transparency in public spending to protect public funds and ensure accountability.