The Commission on Audit Regional Office No. IV-A (CALABARZON) inaugurated its first Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) constructed in Barangay Talipan, Pagbilao, Quezon, recently.

Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc, Assistant Commissioner Wilfredo A. Agito, Director Omar S. Roque, and Regional Director Mario G. Lipana led the inauguration. Representatives of Provincial Governor David “Jayjay” C. Suarez including Provincial Administrator Romulo M. Edaño and Provincial Engineer Johnny A. Pasatiempo as well as District Engineer Rogelio C. Crespo of the 2nd District, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) attended the event. Former COA Commissioner Heidi L. Mendoza and several COA officials and auditors also graced the occasion.

Commissioner Pondoc expressed his heartfelt gratitude to provincial and municipal government for their continuing support to the endeavors of the Commission. Commissioner Pondoc said COA will continue to be advisers providing guidance in the effective and efficient operations of government agencies. He added that the PSAO Building is intended for all auditors so they can continue to carry out their mandate with independence and integrity. The PSAO Building is a notable example of interdependence and good relationships between the local government and the Commission in the delivery of public service.

Director Lipana, on the other hand, agreed with Provincial Administrator Edaño on the protection of environment, emphasizing the need to have trees planted before the inauguration of the PSAO Building.

Provincial Administrator Edaño noted that the PSAO Building stands as a symbol of the joint effort or “bayanihan” among the local and national government agencies and the Commission on Audit. He said the PSAO Building will not only serve as the second home of auditors but also a representation of the continuing dedication and commitment of the different branches of the government towards transparency and full accountability to the public. He also highlighted the local government’s program on the protection of the environment.

The Commission on Audit Regional Office No. XIII (CARAGA) marked three milestones with the inauguration of its newly constructed Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) in Surigao del Norte on 16 October and a new multi-purpose covered court inside the Regional Compound in Butuan City on 17 October 2018. Regional officials and personnel likewise took the Integrity Pledge oath on 17 October.

Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc, Assistant Commissioner Lourdes M. Castillo, Director Carmelita J. Pagayawan, Director Virgilio L. Mendez, and Regional Director Usmin P. Diamel led the inauguration of the PSAO Surigao del Norte, the second completed PSAO in Region XIII. Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas and other local officials, and several COA Central Office and Regional Staff graced the occasion.

Commissioner Pondoc expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Matugas family for their continuing support to the endeavors of the Commission. Director Diamel, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of the Commission’s partnership with local government units and its commitment for an effective and efficient public service through concerted efforts with its stakeholders and the public.

PSAO Surigao del Norte shall be the new home of the different local, national, and corporate audit teams assigned in Surigao City, Province of Surigao del Norte, and the municipalities within the province, including the audit teams assigned in Siargao Island.

Quezon City – The Commission on Audit (COA) and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) formed a partnership to strengthen coordination and cooperation in both agencies’ anti-corruption efforts.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and PACC Chairperson Dante La. Jimenez signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 2 October 2018 at the COA Commission Proper Boardroom. COA Commissioners Jose A. Fabia and Roland C. Pondoc, COA Assistant Commissioner Alexander B. Juliano and PACC Executive Director Eduardo V. Bringas witnessed the signing.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and PACC Chairperson Dante La. Jimenez sign the Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the anti-corruption efforts of both agencies. COA Commissioners Jose A. Fabia and Roland C. Pondoc, COA Assistant Commissioner Alexander B. Juliano and PACC Executive Director Eduardo V. Bringas witnessed the signing.

The MOA calls for collaborative efforts and harmonized approach for both agencies in the performance of their respective mandates. It covers, in the area of coordination and cooperation- referral of information, consultative meetings, continuing review and joint task force on matters within their jurisdiction.

“The purpose of the MOA is to strengthen the cooperation and coordination between our agencies intended to benefit both in terms of the performance of our respective mandates. The main point is to be able to provide relevant information between us that will help us do our jobs better,” Chairperson Aguinaldo said.

“We will take this MOA by heart and this will be one of our bibles in instituting a corrupt-free bureaucracy,” noted Chairman Jimenez. He stressed the importance of the joint task force and noted that many of the complaints the Commission submitted to the President have many COA findings. Chairman Jimenez also announced that he will be having an Ulat sa Bayan on 4 October 2018.

Created on 4 October 2017 through Executive Order No. 43, the PACC’s powers and functions include the hearing and investigation of administrative cases against appointees with Salary Grade 26 and above as well as the conduct of fact-finding inquiries and lifestyle checks against all covered presidential appointees and other public officers allegedly involved in graft and corrupt practices.

The Commission on Audit (COA) and the City Government of Calamba, Laguna entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 26 September 2018 to officially start the construction of a COA Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) in Laguna which is to be considered a symbol of COA’s independence and interdependence.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco signed the MOA for the usufruct of parcel of land intended for the COA PSAO in Laguna. The signing was witnessed by Regional Director Mario G. Lipana of COA Regional Office No. IV-A and Calamba City Administrator Allan D. Zacarias.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco show off the signed Memorandum of Agreement for the piece of land intended for the Provincial Satellite Auditing Office in Calamba. The signing was witnessed by COA Regional Director Mario G. Lipana and Calamba City Administrator Allan D. Zacarias. Also in picture are Calamba Vice Mayor Roseller H. Rizal and City Councilor Moises E. Morales.