The Commission on Audit (COA) denied the claim of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairman Efraim Genuino for more than P10.3 million in salaries and benefits covering the period from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022.

Although Genuino was eventually declared the rightful winner of the 2019 congressional election for Laguna’s 2nd District, the COA ruled that he was not entitled to receive the compensation because he never actually assumed office or performed the duties of a member of the House of Representatives.

The salary and benefits for the position had already been paid to Ruth Hernandez, who served as the district’s representative throughout the entire three-year term.Genuino questioned Hernandez’s eligibility before the 2019 elections, arguing that she failed to meet the one-year residency requirement.

While the Commission on Elections later agreed with his position, it ruled that it no longer had jurisdiction because Hernandez had already taken office.Genuino then brought the case before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, which ruled in his favor in June 2022.However, the decision became final only after Hernandez had completed her term and a new election had already taken place.

In its decision, the COA agreed with the House of Representatives that public compensation is intended for officials who actually occupy and perform the functions of the office.

The audit body emphasized that despite being declared the lawful winner after the fact, Genuino never took his oath, never assumed the position, and never rendered public service as a member of Congress during the disputed term.For these reasons, his claim for salary and benefits was denied.