The Commission on Appointments (CA) approved the ad-interim appointment of Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo on June 10, 2015. Chairperson Aguinaldo breezed through the confirmation process during the 2nd Regular Session of the 16th Congress.

In his sponsorship speech, CA Committee on Constitutional Commissions and Offices Chair Senator Teofisto Guingona III said Chairperson Aguinaldo “has the qualities of competence, fitness and integrity.” Senator Guingona listed the accomplishments of Chairperson Aguinaldo who joined the government service in 2011.

Earlier, Senator Guingona seemed pleased with the very straightforward answers of Chairperson Aguinaldo during the Committee panel hearing on June 9, 2015. Chairperson Aguinaldo said that he believes that there should be a uniform set of guidelines for auditors to follow when asked by Senator Guingona on the different interpretation of auditors on the provisions of Presidential Decree 1445. 

When asked on his views on whether the Commission should be given the mandate to prosecute cases, Chairperson Aguinaldo replied that he believes that the Ombudsman will be better at prosecuting cases since auditing and prosecuting are two very different fields of expertise.

 A celebration and thanksgiving

Meanwhile, the Commission held a simple celebration and thanksgiving program on June 11, 2015 to mark not only the confirmation of Chairperson Aguinaldo’s appointment but also COA’s election as External Auditor of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in March and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May. The day of the Chairperson’s confirmation was also the first anniversary of the confirmation of Commissioners Heidi L. Mendoza and Jose A. Fabia.

“I cannot put into words how much I appreciate your support. I just hope that when Commissioners Mendoza and Fabia and I end our terms, we can confidently say that we have left COA in an even better position,” Chairperson Aguinaldo said.

Chairperson Aguinaldo gave tokens of appreciation to the departments who have helped COA in its ILO and WHO bids. Receiving the tokens were Minister Ma. Teresa Lipatan of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, Switzerland (representing the Department of Foreign Affairs), Department of Health Secretary Janette L. Garin, and Director Robelinda A. Dela Rosa and Mr. Warren M. Niclat of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN in Geneva Dennis Lipatan and Dr. Linda Milan, formerly of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office also graced the event.

Commissioner Mendoza pointed out that COA did not campaign for the posts but with the huge support of the program guests, COA won in its bids and gained the recognition of the international community. She said the program was to acknowledge the precious relationships that COA has built.

Commissioner Fabia for his part said that COA should continue its culture of excellence, reminding COAns to excel not only in the local scene but also internationally. He also acknowledged the support of Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong of the Permanent Mission.