Apart from the “Panunumpa ng Watawat ng Pilipinas” at “Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno”, the Integrity Pledge is envisioned to reinforce and remind Commission on Audit (COA) personnel of their sworn duties and responsibilities as government officials. The Integrity Pledge is forefront of the programs of the present Commission Proper composed of Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, Commissioner Jose A. Fabia and Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc.

COA Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc is with COA Region X Directors Celso L. Vocal and Jerry K. Mero, Region X auditors and personnel during the oath taking of the Integrity Pledge on 28 November 2018.

Some 400 COA Region X personnel led by Regional Director Celso L. Vocal and Assistant Regional Director Jerry K. Mero attended the solemn activity of taking their pledge of integrity before Commissioner Pondoc on 28 November 2018.

The actual taking of the Pledge of Integrity was followed by a ceremonial signing of the Integrity Pledge printed in a large tarpaulin posted on the wall that served as the stage backdrop. Commissioner Pondoc, Directors Vocal and Mero and the supervising auditors and service chiefs led the ceremonial signing.

Commissioner Pondoc emphasized that the Commission Proper is aiming to strengthen the character of integrity within COA and to instill living a life of a good public servant, doing the right thing at the right time. He quoted from Amy Anderson’s article in Forbes, stressing that “success will come and go but integrity is forever,” and from Dr. Hyder Zahed’s article in HuffPost noting that “dishonesty may provide gratification in the moment but it will never last.”

Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc received the prestigious Outstanding CPA in Government Award from the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) during the awarding ceremonies on 22 November 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City. The awarding ceremonies was one of the highlights of the 73rd PICPA Annual National Convention.

Commissioner Pondoc also presented a discourse on the Status and Key Challenges of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Implementation during the 73rd PICPA Convention – Government Sectoral Meeting.

The PICPA National Awards are given to members of PICPA who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of commerce and industry, education, government and public practice, as well as to honor CPAs who have devoted significant public and private endeavors to the accountancy profession.

COA Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc (center) accepts the Outstanding CPA in Government Award from PICPA National President Ma. Asuncion M. Golez (4th from the left) and the other PICPA Board of Directors during the 73rd PICPA Annual National Convention held in Bacolod City.

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.