A publication of the Philippine Commission on Audit January- March 2013

By Gary Ramos Rome, Italy - The Philippine Commission on Audit (COA) was appointed External Auditor of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for another six-year term from 2014-2019 during the 148th Session of the FAO Finance Committee held in Rome, Italy on March 19, 2013. COA Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan said that the FAO Finance Committee chose COA over Germany and the United Kingdom. The Committee will submit its recommendation for adoption by the Assembly in June 2013. Our triumph in the Food and Agriculture bid is a recognition of our expertise and excellence as an external auditor of the United Nations system. This is also a proof that we are truly credible, outstanding auditors worldwide, Chairperson Tan said. This is for COA, thank you for your support, she added. In voting, the FAO Finance Committee considered the oral presentations of the three shortlisted candidates and various aspects of the proposal, including

Commissioner Heidi L. Mendoza

Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan

Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon

By Liza Cabalfin It was only two years ago when the century-old glass ceiling at the Commission on Audit (COA) was finally shattered with the appointment of the first woman Chairperson. The breakthrough for women continues when another woman became Commissioner. For the first time, the Commission Proper (CP), COAs highest policymaking body, is composed of all women. Newly appointed Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon joins COA Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan and Commissioner Heidi L. Mendoza at the helm of the Commission. Fittingly, Commissioner Guanzons appointment was signed by President Benigno

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S. Aquino on March 8, the day the world marks every year as International Womens Day. I thank God that I was appointed in March which is Womens Month. I am sure that it was no coincidence, Commissioner Guanzon told the COA audience at her first flag ceremony on March 25, 2013. A staunch advocate of womens human rights, Commissioner Guanzon related her experiences in handling cases of violence against women to illustrate that womens advocacy is serious work. Commissioner Guanzon also handled cases of indigent battered women and victims of rape for the Gender Justice Network of which she is a founding member. She is one of the founders of the Asia Cause Lawyers Network.

The Commissioner was given a warm welcome by COAns who gathered at the lobby on her first visit to COA shortly after taking her oath on March 18, 2013. Noting that there were more women than men, the Commissioner jokingly said, In theory, women are more honest than men. But that has yet to be tested in COA. Commissioner Guanzon cautioned COAns on her strict work ethic saying to expect less of our Commissioners would be doing us a disfavor. She also expressed confidence that the new CP will be able to work together harmoniously. We are independent, highly intelligent. We can disagree independently and yet arrive at decisions judiciously, she added.

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CP Diaries IN THIS ISSUE

COVER: COA is FAO External Auditor anew New Commissioner completes all-women CP CP Diaries ...........................2 COA appoints new senior officials .................................3 46th ASOSAI GB Meeting a success...............................4 Tagaytay: Unwinding after ASOSAI.......................6 Insights from the 46th ASOSAI GB Meeting.........7 COA trains Bangladeshi auditors................................7 Region VI officials welcome Commissioner Guanzon in Bacolod.........8 COA officials attend budget survey forum.......9 COA fleshes out unified audit strategy...................10

CHAIRPERSON TAN ON THE MOOE AT THE ROTARY. Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan shed light on the issue of the Senates Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) on January 24, 2013 at the Rotary Club of Manila. The Chairperson also cited the provision of the Government Appropriations Act of 2012 allowing the President of the Senate, among other officials, to augment any item in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations. She later revealed that COA is reviewing its rules and regulations on cash advances . After the question and answer, the Chair was presented with a token of appreciation by Rotary Club Presiding Officer Frank Evaristo. - Karen Recio C O M M I S S I O N E R MENDOZA TALKS ABOUT GOOD GOVERNANCE. Commissioner Heidi L. Mendoza spoke before students of Banking and Finance of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa on January 25, 2013. Commissioner Mendoza talked about Good Governance: A Key to Effective Public Finance. A jampacked crowd at the Bulwagang Balagtas composed of students, teachers, administrators, alumni and guests listened with much attention and gusto as Commissioner Mendoza discussed the road to sound governance in the public sector. - Gary Ramos NEW COMMISSIONER GUANZON TAKES OATH. New COA Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon took her oath of office before Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes P.A. Sereno (right) on March 18, 2013. Chief Justice Sereno, who was the Commissioner s classmate in the University of the Philippines College of Law, said that the new Commissioners term will be historic and meaningful knowing that Commissioner Guanzon only has the purest intentions in serving the country, and that her term would be characterized by malinis at wagas na paglilingkod.Also in picture is Atty. Teresa Ira Mariz Guanzon, the Commissioners niece. - Liza Cabalfin

Send issues and concerns to:

COA CITIZENS DESK

Text line: +639155391957 citizensdesk@coa.gov.ph www.coa.gov.ph
(This line is under the direct supervision of the Chairperson. Concerns forwarded to the Citizens Desk will be treated with utmost confidentiality.)

Call me to life
Love me not unto death but love me unto life. For to love is to call to life. Love me unto life by loving me as a person -as someone who has a story to tell. -from Shafts of Light by Fr. Guido Arguelles, SJ+

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Milestones

COA appoints two new Assistant Commissioners, promotes 15 directors

By Gary Ramos The Commission Proper appointed two new Assistant Commissioners on January 11, 2013: former Regional Coordination Director Rosemarie L. Lerio and Local Government Director Divinia M. Alagon. Assistant Commissioner Rosemarie L. Lerio is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), having passed the Board on May 1980. A Bachelor of Science in Commerce cum laude graduate from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, Assistant Commissioner Lerio also holds a Master in Management degree from the Philippine Christian University. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Commissioner, she concurrently headed the Internal Audit Office and the Regional Coordination Office. Assistant Commissioner Lerio served as Director for the Human Resource Management Office from 2002-2004, Corporate Government Sector (CGS) Clusters 2, 4 and 6 from 20042008, and Regional Director for the Cordillera Administrative Region from 2008-2011. She later went back to the Central Office to head the Risk Management and Budget Office of the Planning, Finance and Management Sector. She is presently the Assistant Commissioner for the Local Government Sector. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Divinia M. Alagon had a degree in

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experience, audit approach and strategy and cost. Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. reported Chairperson Tans presentation at the FAO in which COAs independence, good track record in auditing international organizations and understanding of the priorities of the FAO coming from the perspective of a developing country were emphasized. Chairperson Tan also highlighted COAs familiarity with the auditing techniques used in international audit, and the skill and experience of its pool of competent auditors. Accompanying the Chairperson during her presentation at the FAO were International Audit and Relations Office Director Lito Q. Martin, Office of the Chairperson Director Ma. Milagros A. Lapus, Philippine Embassy Minister Grace Cruz-Fabella and Agriculture Attach Lupino Lazaro, Jr. COA was first appointed FAO External Auditor in 2007 for a three-year term starting 2008. COAs term was extended until 2012 during the 141st Session of the FAO Finance Committee in March 2011. The Commission is on a winning streak under Chairperson Tans administration after being elected External Auditor of the World Health Organization in 2011. In March 2012, COA was elected to a three-year term as member of the Governing Board of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions. The

Assistant Commissioner Divinia M. Alagon Banking and Finance from the University of Sto. Tomas before she decided to pursue Accounting at the National College of Business and the Arts. She passed the CPA Board Exam and eventually took up Bachelor of Laws in Jose Rizal College where she graduated cum laude. She then took the Bar and passed with an impressive rating of 83.51%. Assistant Commissioner Alagon was assigned at the CGS from 2002 to 2011. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Commissioner, she was the Director for the National Capital Region.

Assistant Commissioner Rosemarie L. Lerio Melanie R. Aonuevo, Professional and Institutional Development Sector Elwin Gregorio A. Torre, COA Regional Office No. V DIRECTOR III (January 23, 2013) Helen M. Cailing, COA Regional Office No. XII Dolores T. Barraza, Cluster B, National Government Sector (NGS) Carmelita T. Sanchez, Office of the Chairperson Villa D. Bernaldo, Cluster D, NGS Edna E. Lerit, Cluster B, NGS Adela L. Dondonilla, Cluster D, NGS Fatima V. Bermudez, Cluster D, NGS Lorna D. Cabochan, Information Technology Office Elsielyn C. Masangcay, Special Audits Office (March 7, 2013) Ma. Lisa P. Inguillo, Local Government Sector Arlene Z. Reyes, COA Regional Office No. XII Sofia C. Gemora, Cluster 6, NGS

PROMOTIONS
The Commission appointed three officials as senior directors on March 7, 2013 and promoted 12 auditors to assistant directors in two batches, nine on January 23, 2013 and three on March 7, 2013. DIRECTOR IV Lita E. Diez, Cluster 1 Corporate Government Sector

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Achievement

46th ASOSAI GB Meeting a success!

Participants to the 46th ASOSAI GB Meeting pose for a souvenir photo on the last day of the Meeting on February 20, 2013. By Liza Cabalfin The 46th Governing Board Meeting of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) hosted by the Philippine Commission on Audit (COA) from February 17 to 21, 2013 began and ended on a high note. From the welcome reception hosted by President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Malacaan Palace, on to the flawless conduct of the two-day meeting at the Asian Development Bank, until the closing party at Tagaytay Highlands, COA added the details that made the event a success. ASOSAI delegates immediately felt the famous Filipino warmth and hospitality when they were welcomed at the airport by designated COA officials and staff. They were further welcomed by Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan and Commissioner Heidi L. Mendoza at their respective hotels. Heading the list of participants were ASOSAI Chairman Mr. Vinod Rai of India and ASOSAI Secretary General Dr. Kung Yang of Korea. The participating Governing Board Members were Mr. Tan Sri Dato Setia Ambrin Bin Buang of Malaysia, Mr. Muhammad Akhtar Buland Rana of Pakistan, Mr. Sergey Vadimovich Stepashin of the Russian Federation, HE Osama J.I. Faquih of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ms. Prapee Angkinandana of Thailand, Mr. Mohammad Abul Kashem of Bangladesh, Mr. Hou Kai of China, and Mr. Seishi Tashiro of Japan, ASOSAIs Training Administrator. Mr. Hasan Fehmi Ezber of Turkey attended the Meet as member of the Audit Committee. International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Development Initiative Director General Mr. Magnus Borge of Norway and Mr. Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman Mat Salleh of Brunei Darussalam were also in the Meet as observers. At the Malacaan reception which formally opened the event, President Aquino noted that the ASOSAI symbolizes the solidarity of government agencies from over 45 countries in fostering accountability and transparency. Rarely are ASOSAI events graced by the Head of State of the host country and delegates felt the honor accorded to them by President Aquino. As an added bonus, former COA Chairman and the founding father of the ASOSAI, Mr. Francisco S. Tantuico, was also at the reception to exchange ideas with todays generation of ASOSAI leaders. The Malacaan reception easily became one of the highlights of the Meet. The actual meetings held at the Asian Development Bank on February 19 and 20, 2013 were seamless affairs. Among the issues discussed were the establishment of ASOSAI Financial Rules and Accounting Policies, cooperation with the European Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, strategic planning, and training related matters especially the need to focus more on ASOSAI sponsored training and less reliance on outside funding. Mr. Rai reported that the 10th Research Project on Audit to Detect Fraud and Corruption: Evaluation of the Fight Against Corruption and Money Laundering recorded the largest participation in a research project. The group also elected the ASOSAI representative to the INTOSAI Governing Board. Evidence of the high regard given the Philippines was when COA tied with Pakistan and Malaysia for one of the slots. Pakistan eventually won through lottery draw with Japan as the other elected representative. After days of hard work, delegates and coordinators alike let their hair down at a farewell party punctuated by an improptu videoke session at Tagaytay Highlands on February 21, 2013.

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Achievement

ASOSAI delegates visit COA, February 20, 2013

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Achievement

Tagaytay: Unwinding after ASOSAI

By Karen Recio It was an overcast day and we were praying that the rain will not fall because of the scheduled tour for the ASOSAI delegates who opted to stay after the meeting. First stop was the Puzzle Museum at Nasugbu, Batangas. The museum is recognized by Guinness World Records with the most assortment of jigsaw puzzles in the world. The owner related how she and her family were able to finish the puzzles, some of which feature scenic places around the world. Ms. Megumi Ino of Japan was heard saying The owner of the place is very interesting. After the tour in Nasugbu, the group went to Sonyas Garden in Tagaytay for lunch. The guests enjoyed salad, pasta, salmon, roasted chicken and organic tea. Later, they toured the gardens and the spa area soaking in the wonderful sights. Next on the itinerary was Tagaytay Highlands where guests rode the funicular to get to the Midlands, the location of the dinner sponsored by COA. The fellowship night had a lot of singing and dancing. Delegates from Thailand sang a song in their native tongue, while delegates from Turkey performed their national dance. I particularly enjoyed the dancing lessons on the sidelines particualrly when Sharon Contaciergo taught Ms. Rachel Han of Korea square dancing. All in all it was a tiring yet enjoyable day. The auditors not only let their hair down for the party but also flipped their hair back and forth as well.

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Achievement

Insights from the 46th ASOSAI GB Meeting

By Merlyn Feliciano SCENARIO: At the Bilateral Meeting between the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) Secretariat, Supreme Audit Institution (SAl) of Korea and ASOSAI Training Administrator, SAI Japan, discussions centered on more training chances/activities for ASOSAI member SAls. The Secretariat and Training Administrator looked at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as one source tapped to answer ASOSAI training needs. However, based on the survey results conducted by JICA, the percentage of requests for audit training assistance by ASOSAI members from the Japanese Board of Audit was very low. It did not reach the minimum criteria set by JICA, which is at least 14 SAls. Hence, JICA-sponsored audit trainings were not conducted for the ASOSAI starting 2012. Mr. Seywoo Lee, of the ASOSAI Secretariat, likened/compared the available JICA funds to a pie. He commented that SAI-member countries are free to partake of the pie but the chance of being able to enjoy the pie depends on the SAIs efforts to get a part of it. SAls that expressed their needs tenaciously got much larger part of the pie. He further made an analogy about how a baby makes known its needs. If you dont cry like a baby, and cry loud enough and persistently, then other babies, who do just that, will take the whole pie away. It is very important to best express your needs, your training needs, he said. INSIGHTS: Applying good discernment, there is greatness in smallness; big things come from small things. Some people are born to a privileged life while some The author (third from left) with Director Melanie R. Aonuevo, Ms. Gina Erandio and Mr. Wilfred Angeles at the welcome reception for ASOSAI delegates held at Malacaan on February 18, 2013. to less-privileged situations. While this disparity exists, it is comforting to know that there are people born to a life of privilege who are generous in sharing their blessings to those who manifest their intentions to be helped. Indeed, there are people who are willing to assist or even whose advocacy is to support others to fulfill their dreams but those in need were not helped just because of inaction or inability to properly express their needs. In this world, people cannot choose the situations and the circumstances that they are born into. But everyone has a dream, it may either be small or big; the good thing is it is free. That dream moves us to action that consequently causes us to realize that we do not have all that it takes to fulfill a dream. Hence, some will just remain in quiet desperation because of lack of resources. Some pursue their dream for a time and when a greater difficulty hits them, they would retire from dreaming. On the other hand, some would do everything they could to make it come true, holding to a belief that life is like a lottery. Conversely, Jesse Owens, an Olympic Athlete (1913-1980), affirmed that We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. In life, it takes a lot of humility to accept that there are things that we do not possess and we need a humble spirit to reach out to others and ask for help. It takes humility, determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort. All anchored on faith in God, these will lead us to the door to success. Then we have all the reasons to dream big! Finally, it is written Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. We have to have faith in our dreams. But faith must have action. We have to keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking not just at doors of kindhearted individuals but most importantly, at the heart of the ONE whose task is to give us what is good for all of us.

COA trains Bangladeshi auditors on risk-based audit

By Karen Recio In testament to the Commission on Audits (COA) expertise in the field of audit, 14 officials from the Supreme Audit Institution of Bangladesh participated in the training on Integrated Results and Risk-based Audit (IRRBA) conducted by COA on January 7 to 18, 2013. The participants were: Mr. Mohammed Amir Khasru, Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General; Ms. Kazi Tasmin Ara Ajmery, Director; Mr. Tanveer Akhter Hossain Khan, Deputy Director; Mr. A.K.M. Jubaer, Deputy Director; Ms. Fatema Yasmin, Deputy Director; Mr. Muhammad Khademul Basher, Deputy Director; Mr. MD Monir Hossain Mollah, Audit and Accounts Officer; Mr. MD Shamsur Rahman, Audit and Accounts Officer; Mr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Audit and Accounts Officer; Mr. Proshon Kanti Paul, Audit and Accounts Officer; Mr. MD Abdul Haque Howlader, Audit and Accounts Officer; Mr. Azharul Islam Khandaker, Audit and Accounts Officer; Mr. Mohammad Hassan Mahamud, System Analyst; and Mr. Shushanto Kumer Shill, Research Officer. IRRBA is a seminar aimed to guide auditors in the integration of Financial and Compliance Audit, Value-for-Money Audit, Performance Audit and Fraud Audit approaches.

Auditor Merlyn G. Feliciano of the Professional and Institutional Development Sector was one of the coordinators for the ASOSAI event. The

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From the Regions

Region VI officials welcome new Commissioner Guanzon in Bacolod City

Women power at COA

by: Ma. Josefina V. Rivas The recent appointment of Atty. Rowena V. Guanzon as Commissioner is a fitting recognition of women in good governance and a timely gift to women as the nation celebrates International Womens Month. The presence of highly qualified women in government offices is especially felt in COA where the three top officials are now all women. Thepredominance of women in the Commission is not only true in the top bracket but throughout its central and field offices since most key officials from assistant commissioners to regional directors are women. Women auditors outnumber their male counterparts. The choice of women as top auditors seems to be a subconscious decision to appoint trustworthy women to look after government resources. And who make better gabays (guides) than women? The current leadership is more than qualified to realize the Presidents envisioned changes towards a corruption-free government that will ultimately improve the quality of life of the Filipino people. Indeed, the appointment of Commissioner Guanzon can only be interpreted as an affirmation of more qualified women administrators in government and accentuates the Presidents continuing confidence in women as principal guides towards tuwid na daan. Ms. Rivas is State Auditor V assigned at COA Region VI.

Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon on her first visit to the Provincial Satellite Audit Office in Bacolod City with Director Eden T. Rafanan, the Supervising Auditors and Audit Team Leaders in Negros Occidental. By: Ma. Josefina V. Rivas (as told by Joni T. Meez) Bacolod City- Newly appointed Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Atty. Rowena V. Guanzon was pleasantly surprised to find COA Region VI officials led by Regional Director Eden T. Rafanan with Airport Manager Mercine Reyes giving her a warm welcome at the Silay City Airport on March 19, 2013. Commissioner Guanzon, who was on a private visit to see her mother, arrived from Manila a day after her oath taking and first visit to the COA Central Office. The following day, Commissioner Guanzon was invited by Director Rafanan to a meeting with auditors assigned in Negros Occidental at the Provincial Satellite Audit Office in Bacolod City. In her message, the new Commissioner emphasized zero tolerance against corruption. Auditors, she counselled, should be fully aware of their responsibilities, see to it that appropriate action be immediately taken in the event probable cause is established, and file the necessary case against officials concerned. She reminded auditors that audit reports and working papers should be accomplished thoroughly. Commissioner Guanzon wants COA to be recognized by all people as an efficient and effective government agency that COAns can be proud of. A former mayor of Cadiz City, Commissioner Guanzon strongly advised auditors against seeking any form of favors from local government officials and politicians, particularly the employment of their relatives since this will only weaken the auditors independence and may adversely affect the performance of their duties. The Commissioner spiced up her talk with well-timed jokes so there was no dull moment the entire time.

New COA Commissioner

... from page 1 Another warning she gave was that corruption will not be tolerated in support of the Presidents call for zero corruption. I have a keen eye for monkey business. I can tell which one has probable cause, she said. We owe it to the people to completely, seriously guard public funds, she added. Commissioner Guanzon graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law (Class 84; Deans Medal) and the U.P. School of Economics (79). She has a degree of Master in Public Administration from Harvard University (95) where she was an Edward Mason Fellow and Class Marshal.

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Events

COA officials attend open budget survey forum

Assistant Commissioner Luz L. Tolentino and Director Emmie M. Mendoza at the Open Budget Survey Forum held at Anabels Restaurant, Quezon City on January 24, 2013. By Gary Ramos Commission on Audit (COA) Assistant Commissioner Luz L. Tolentino of the Professional and Institutional Development Sector and Director Emmie M. Mendoza of the Risk Management and Budget Office represented COA at the discussion on the results of the Philippine Open Budget Survey 2012 organized by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) at Anabels Restaurant in Quezon City on January 24, 2013. The Philippines scored 48 out of a possible 100 in the survey which measures budget transparency, public participation in the budget process and oversight, including roles played by the legislature and the Supreme Audit Institution. The score indicates that the government provides the public with some information on the budget process. The Philippines score remains above the global average of 43 and the average of 39 in the East Asia and the Pacific region. During the forum, the COA officials highlighted major COA reforms including strategic partnerships with citizens and government agencies, and the adoption of international standards and best practices.

EXERCISE FOR WOMENS MONTH. In celebration of the 2013 National Womens Month, the Commission on Audit Gender and Development (GAD) organized a Fun Run in the early morning of March 25, 2013. COAns participated in a warm-up aerobics exercise before jogging around the COA Compound. GAD also led the flag raising ceremonies throughout the month of March. Above is a group photo of the Fun-Run participants before the exercises. - Karen Recio

Other members of the discussion panel were Aniceta C. Baltar of Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government, University of the Philippines Professor Leonor M. Briones of Social Watch Philippines,

and Assistant Secretary Gil Montalbo of the Department of Budget and Management. The survey is produced by U.S.-based International Budget Partnership in cooperation with PCIJ, its country researcher.

The COA Chronicle

Editor: Robert M. Baldago Editorial Group: Patti A. Lapus, Penny R. Quesada Associate Editor & Lay-out artist: Liza C. Cabalfin Writers: Gary L. Ramos, Karen R. Recio Contributors: Merlyn G. Feliciano, Ma. Josefina V. Rivas Photographers: Jimmy Adanza, Rod Reyes, Jun Patacsil, Dondi S. De Luna Production and Circulation: Helen Grace Dela Cruz, Miles Pacheco, Ramon Caro, Edgar Desumala, Juan Asne Supplies and Materials: Property Management Division, Administration Sector The COA Chronicle is published by the Public Information OfficeOffice of the Chairperson Commission on Audit, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. Telefax No. 9510934. Send your comments, suggestions, and articles to press@coa.gov.ph and rmbaldago@coa.gov.ph

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COA fleshes out unified audit strategy

By Liza Cabalfin Top officials of the Commission on Audit (COA) fleshed out concerns in the implementation of the unified audit strategy at the Command Conference held at the SAADO Auditorium on March 6 to 8, 2013. COA Assistant Commissioners, Cluster and Regional Directors discussed proposed guidelines in the implementation of the unified audit policy, delineation of technical and administrative duties and responsibilities as well as audit, legal, and other issues arising from the implementation of the unified audit. We have to standardize our procedures and be consistent. This will be our quality control. We are going to be more efficient if we are going to do our work this regions. Local government units are under the technical and administrative supervision of the regions. Discussions at the conference include: ways to facilitate communication between the cluster and the regions through the use of information technology, and complete and updated regional directory and definition of protocol; the need to update guidelines on daily time records, locator slips, leave application, and other administrative matters; and the effect of unified audit on COAs compliance with the International Standards for Supreme Audit Institutions. Aside from unified audit, officials were also briefed on COAs Communication Plan and Performance-Based Bonus by Public Information Office Director Robert M. Baldago.

Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan updates officials on the new organizational structure at the opening of the Command Conference held at the new CP Boardroom on March 6, 2013. way, Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan said. Unified audit seeks to achieve consistency in audit procedures, observations and recommendations, notices of disallowances, suspensions and charges, and audit reports. In this scheme, technical oversight on audit of agencies under national and corporate government remains with the respective sectors including their audit teams in the regions while regional directors take over administrative supervision of these offices. The same approach holds for technical service, special audit, and fraud audit offices in the

THE NEW FACE OF THE CP BOARDROOM. The renovated Commission Proper (CP) Boardroom was inaugurated on February 1, 2013. The way the boardroom is equipped, we can get in touch and have meetings with the regional directors. We should maximize information technology so we could be properly connected as a team no matter the distance or barrier, Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan said. The new CP Boardroom boasts of state-of-the art technology to facilitate interaction and smoother flow of

O U T S TA N D I N G CITIZEN. Chairperson Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan was one of the awardees of the Ulirang Mandaleo , a prestigious award bestowed by the City of Mandaluyong to its outstanding citizens who have shown e x e m p l a r y performance and excellence in their respective field. On the Chairpersons behalf, Atty. Gilbert G. Kintanar, Chief Executive Staff, accepted the award from Mayor Benhur Abalos at the awards rites held on February 8, 2013 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. -Gary Ramos discussions during meetings. These include a JTS Conference system with delegate console/mic switch/built-in speaker, 70 Sharp LCDINT, and touch application for Sharp Interactive Display. The BOSE freespace ceiling flush mount speakers ensure high quality sound system. Architect Edwin M. Gumila designed the boardroom pro bono. - Karen Recio

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