$2.8 million in unauthorized overtime uncovered at Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense. 

Senator Frank Blas asked, “Do any of you take full responsibility for what has happened?”

“I take responsibility,” said Charles Esteves, Civil Defense Advisor. 

“Speaker, I take full responsibility. I'm here now, sir. I am a problem solver,” said Esther Aguigui, Homeland Security Advisor. 

“I just want to make sure that's clear because when you take on the role one of the very first things you want to do is make sure your ducks are in a row because with emergency management you don't know what is going to happen and when. And I think while you view this audits as ways to take care of stuff, the concern is these audits point out to things that are perennial that continue to occur and nothing was happening and as a result of that we've come up with budgets and with monies where we are shortfall and not getting paid and questionable costs and what not,” added Blas. 

Aguigui and Esteves were grilled before 13 senators Friday afternoon. 

Emergency Management Oversight Chair Senator Shawn Gumataotao called for the oversight after Public Auditor BJ Cruz, who also attended, released the alarming audit findings. 

Department of Administrator Director Ed Birn also chimined in. 

“DOA is always concerned about the proper use of funds and in particular the ability of the government to recover funds where federal funds support a particular program,” said Birn. “Basically, the DOA is concerned about the views of the federal government as to the nature of the funds expended.”

DOA told senators they have until March to provide all documentation to the federal government.

“I think we've probably recovered $400,000. Not $8.4 million,” said Birn. 

“While we acknowledge the serious concerns about documentation about fiscal controls, we are already implementing improvements that demonstrate our commitment to progress,” said Aguigui 

The Public Auditor is set to meet with the Attorney General next week to have them investigate to determine if there was fraud or criminal intent and enough evidence for them to prosecute. 

You can watch the full oversight hearing on the Guam Legislature's YouTube channel.