De Lima Slams Duterte for ‘Attacking’ COA

De Lima: “Sabi siya nang sabi na galit siya sa korapsyon pero hindi naman niya sinusuportahan ang COA…”

Senator Leila de Lima slammed President Rodrigo Duterte for attacking the Commission on Audit (COA) for releasing an audit report on the use of the Department of Health’s COVID-19 response fund.

De Lima and Duterte
Credit to the rightful owner of the photos

On Monday, Duterte slammed COA after exposing the deficiencies in the Department of Health’s (DOH) spending on the P67 billion COVID-19 response fund.

According to the annual audit report of COA for DOH, the deficiencies are caused by non-compliance with pertinent laws and regulations which have led to missed opportunities amid the health crisis.

The planned purchase of 4 laptops amounting to P700,000; P42.4 billion fund transfer to the DBM without proper documentation and failure to disburse some P4.8 million in financial assistance to health care workers were among the questionable items flagged by COA.

According to De Lima, Duterte’s attacks on COA “show that his bravado statements against corruption are nothing but a hypocritical attempt at pandering.

De Lima said Duterte is always angry with corruption but does not support the findings of COA.

In her later statement based on the report of TNT Abante, De Lima stressed that spending the people’s money must be in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, COA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said that DOH was given 60 days to respond to its recommendations.

The Commission on Audit (COA) is an independent constitutional commission established by the Constitution of the Philippines. It has the primary function to examine, audit and settle all accounts and expenditures of the funds and properties of the Philippine government.

Amid the issues hurled against the health department, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would not accept Duque’s resignation if ever he steps down from his post as health chief.

The President is yet to react to the statements against him by the incumbent senator.

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