Commission on Audit

Celebrating 2020 Accountancy Week in the "New Normal"

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Published: 28 July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, physical and mental health. During these difficult times, accountants across the country took up the challenge of continuing to be the guardians of our economy amidst the "new normal," and RISING up in solidarity to participate and update their accounting knowledge and skills during the first ever virtual 2020 Accountancy Week Celebration (AWC) that was held from 12 to 18 July 2020.

This year's theme, “Filipino CPAs RISING in Solidarity Amidst Challenging Times," focuses on solidarity within the profession as the impact of the pandemic greatly affects not only the accounting practice but also other professions as well as the economy of the country.

During the virtual opening program of the AWC, Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc said that the week-long event highlights the value and contribution of Filipino CPAs in nation-building. He said the activities set for the week aims to show support of solidarity to the continuing commitment of the accounting professionals in both government and private sectors to be more relevant during the changing and challenging times. The Commissioner said that CPAs should attend the programs and webinars scheduled for the AWC to be updated and informed of what will be the proper approaches to face the challenges that the new normal brings to the accountancy profession.

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Commissioner Pondoc is PICPA's new VP for Gov't

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Published: 07 July 2020

Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc of the Commission on Audit (COA) joined Fiscal Year 2020-2021 National President Mr. Lope L. Bato, Jr. along with the new officers and National Board of Directors in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) virtual turn-over and induction ceremony last 3 July 2020.

Taking his oath of office together with the other officers, Commissioner Pondoc is now PICPA's new Vice President - Government Sector and Senior Director - Southern Mindanao Region. The Honorable Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles served as the inducting officer for this event.

Other key officers of PICPA are Ms. Marydith C, Miguel, Executive Vice President; Ms. Gladeys Jill A. Santos-Cua, VP for Operations; Atty. Rheneir P. Mora, VP for Commerce & Industry; Ms. Milagros C. Cardona, VP for Education; Mr. Michael C. Gallego, VP for Public Practice; Ms. Estelita C. Aguirre, Executive Director; Ms. Anna Lissa C. Dycaico, Secretary; and Ms. Ma. Teresita Z. Dimaculangan, Treasurer. All the members of the national board, presidential advisers, board of trustees of PICPA Foundation, committee chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members, regional sectoral representatives, and chapter presidents were likewise inducted.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Pondoc also had the honor of introducing President Rodrigo R. Duterte as one of the Keynote Speakers during the virtual ceremony.

"Maayong hapon sa atong tanan. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I have the high privilege and distinct honor of introducing to you our keynote speaker this afternoon. The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mayor-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte," Commissioner Pondoc proudly declared.

In his speech, President Duterte wished the organization and the officers a meaningful event and took the opportunity to commend the CPAs for their critical role in accelerating the country's economic growth.

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DSWD thanks COA for relaxing rule to expedite emergency subsidy

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Published: 05 June 2020

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its gratitude to the Commission on Audit (COA) and its Chairperson, Atty. Michael G. Aguinaldo, for extending the relaxation of its auditing rule to expedite the release of the funds for the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program - Emergency Subsidy Program (SAP-EAP) to aid those greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its press statement posted on their website last 30 May 2020, the DSWD thanked the Commission for granting the agency’s request to extend the relaxing of the rule under COA Circular No. 2016-002 requiring a “Certification by the Accountant that the funds previously transferred to the Implementing Agency has been liquidated and accounted for in the books, as a prerequisite to the succeeding release of funds” specific to the DSWD’s request and for the duration of the present crisis.

The DSWD specifically asked to relax the rule requiring the submission of liquidation reports by the implementing agency prior to the subsequent transfer of funds in order for the DSWD to proceed with the distribution of the second tranche of the SAP-EAP to eligible beneficiaries.

“Nagpapasalamat ang DSWD sa sambayanang Pilipino, sa inyong pagtitiwala sa lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan na nakikipaglaban para sa kabutihan ng bawat pamilya sa panahon ng pandemiyong COVID-19,” the DSWD said of the COA.

The Commission allowed the DSWD to rely on a signed Sangguniang Barangay Resolution or a Barangay Council Resolution attesting that the identified beneficiaries are eligible and qualified under DSWD-DOLE-DTI-DA-DOF-DBM-DILG JMC No. 1 and DSWD MC No. 09-2020 in lieu of the liquidation report.

However, all Local Chief Executives must submit their duly accomplished completed full liquidation reports within three months from the lifting of the declaration of the State of Calamity. COA also said that the actual transfer of funds to the local government units and disbursements shall be subject to regular post audit The Commission also reminded the DSWD to submit the reports required by oversight agencies, including the budget and financial accountability reports to the Department of Budget and Management and to the COA.