Commission on Audit

Philippine Commission on Audit hosts meet of international audit body on public debt

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Published: 28 September 2017

Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and Commissioner Jose A. Fabia join delegates to the annual meet of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions Working Group on Public Debt (WGPD). Chairperson Aguinaldo currently chairs the WGPD.

The Philippine Commission on Audit (COA) is hosting their counterparts from the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Working Group on Public Debt (WGPD) for its annual meeting from 27 to 29 September 2017 held in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

The WGPD is a specialized body of the INTOSAI tasked to prepare and publish guidelines and other materials for use by Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) to encourage the proper reporting and sound management of public debt, identify key issues for development of responsibilities and procedures for auditing and evaluating debt commitments and exchange knowledge with other institutions dealing with public debt issues, among its many goals.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, who currently Chairs the WGPD, and Commissioner Jose A. Fabia join around 40 delegates from member SAIs - Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Fiji, Georgia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, United States of America, Zambia and the Philippines. Representatives from the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), the World Bank and senior experts also participate in the meet. Deputy Treasurer of the Philippines Atty. Erwin D. Sta. Ana was the keynote speaker.

“Public borrowing can be an effective tool for governments to finance its development initiatives so long as the risks are managed properly. As officials of Supreme Audit Institutions, we play a significant role in helping our respective governments manage public debt to sustainable levels,” Chairperson Aguinaldo said.

This is the first time that the COA chairs the WGPD after SAI of Mexico has chaired the international body for 25 years. This will also be the first time the Philippines hosts a meeting of the WGPD.

The agenda includes the launching of the IDI-Handbook on Audit of Lending and Borrowing Frameworks, updating of database of experts in public debt auditing and WGPD projects and activities as well as sharing of best practices from public debt auditing in their respective countries.

INTOSAI established the WGPD in response to strong interest in public debt matters shown by members during the 1989 INTOSAI Congress. INTOSAI is an autonomous, independent and non-political organization that operates as an umbrella organization for the external government audit community. It has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

No need for official receipts for expenses amounting to P300- COA

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Published: 05 July 2017

As a result of the declining purchasing power of the Philippine peso and due to the rising cost of consumer products and services, the Commission on Audit (COA) recently released COA Circular No. 2017-001 stating that official receipts are no longer needed as supporting documents for expenses amounting to P300 or less that are incurred by government officials and employees while in the performance of their official functions.

The new Circular aims to simplify the reimbursement of expenses that do not require official receipts. However, government officials and employees are still required to submit a certification for expenses P300 or less as supporting document in order for the reimbursement to be processed.

On the other hand, for payment of fares in public utility vehicles (PUVs) issuing receipts such as bus, train, vessel/ship; and purchases in business establishments issuing receipts, official receipts are still needed to facilitate the reimbursement of expenses even if the amount is P300 or less.

The new Circular was signed by the Commission Proper on 19 June 2017 and will take effect fifteen days from the date of publication in a newspaper of general circulation. The Circular was published in the Philippine Star and BusinessWorld on 28 June 2017. - By Dennis Cariño

To view COA Circular No. 2017-001 dated June 19, 2017, click here

GAD Logo and Slogan Contest Successfully Conducted

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Published: 29 May 2017

To further raise the level of awareness and maximum participation of all officials and employees of the Commission in the implementation of its projects, programs and activities, the COA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point (GFP) System launched the “GAD Logo and Slogan Contest.”

The contests mechanics was released through COA Memorandum No. 2016-022 dated 7 November 2016. A total of 13 entries were received with two entries standing out over the rest. The slogan “Gender Equality Mainstreaming Towards Nation Building” crafted by Ms. Aemee Marie Concepcion G. Sandig of the Corporate Government Sector and the logo designed by Engr. Rolando Milan from the Technical Services of COA Region XIII.

Explaining the meaning behind the slogan, Ms. Sandig said that gender inequality and stereotyping are among the most prevailing issues in society, with heightened awareness, these issues are gradually being addressed and traditional gender roles are redefined. Thus, both men and women are empowered to grow and achieve their unified goals to build a stronger foundation for our nation’s progress.

Meanwhile, the winning logo shows two faces in back-to-back, the female side depicted by a pinkish icon with a plus sign and the male side depicted by a bluish icon with an arrow sign. Their ears are merged and depicted by a target which shows a focal point. Engr. Milan explained that although the male and female have opposite viewpoints and varied outlooks in life, their minds are interconnected with each other for a common goal to achieve peace and harmony.

Auditor Sandig and Engr. Milan both received P5,000.00 and certificates of recognition which were awarded last 8 May 2017 during the culmination activity of the COA Week Celebration. The winning entries shall be used in the official letterhead of the COA GFP System and will be present in other official communications and publication materials together with the COA logo as prescribed by COA Memorandum No. 2017-11 dated 24 May 2017.