Vice President Robredo on COA reports on government agencies.
Vice President Leni Robredo encouraged concerned government officials and agencies to not take the reports of the Commission on Audit (COA) the wrong way, saying that those reports were actually opportunities to be more transparent when it comes to government spending.
Robredo said in a video message that government agencies must respond to COA’s audit reports in order to shed light on the situation.
According to her, government officials and agencies shouldn’t take those reports the wrong way as they’re given the opportunity to respond, to explain, and to be more transparent on their systems and processes.
“Hindi natin dapat minamasama ‘yung mga reports na ‘to. In fact, binibigyan pa nga tayo ng opportunity na sumagot, na magpaliwanag, na maging mas transparent sa systems and processes natin. So when these reports and audits come—we must respond. Kasi we owe it hindi lang sa COA, pero mas importante, sa taumbayan,” said Robredo.
She also noted that COA audits and other systems were put in place in order to ensure that public funds were being properly used and to make sure that there’s no corruption in government.
Robredo’s statement came after the Commission on Audit cited deficiencies in the 2020 spendings of different agencies such as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Health (DOH), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), among others.
Aside from this, Robredo also lauded the Commission on Audit for doing their job. According to her, she’s one with those urging auditors to carry on with their job as they put out a reminder that there’s a reason why they have processes to follow.
“Katuwang natin ang COA para maipatupad ‘yung tunay na mabuting pamamahala,” Robredo said.
READ ALSO | Harry Roque On COA Reports On Agencies: “Cool po muna tayo”
Based on a report on Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Audit had given the Office of the Vice President (OVP) an “unqualified opinion” rating on its financial report for the Fiscal Year 2020 for the third consecutive year.
The rating, the best opinion a government agency can get from the Commission on Audit, was given when an office had fairly presented its financial position and had its financial statements in order.
However, in COA’s observations and recommendations, the Commission on Audit noted “process gaps” in OVP’s handling and monitoring of the receipt and distribution of in-kind donations.
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