Gov’t auditors to monitor expenses of 2013 candidates

MANILA, Philippines - Government auditors are under instructions to be more vigilant in monitoring public expenses during the election season.

“I laid down three audit foci areas that I really want them to guard, especially now that elections are coming,” Commission on Audit chair Ma. Grace Pulido-Tan said in an interview.

She said audit teams have been instructed to take a closer look at expenditures of local politicians as well as their possible involvement in hiring of ghost employees or in illegal fund transfers.

“We have instructions already, we will really focus on these three areas,” Tan said, even as she cited the vital role of audit in the fight against corruption.

She said that in the flood-ravaged regions in Mindanao, relief goods might turn up bearing the images or names of local politicians even if the goods had been purchased and delivered using calamity funds.

Tan said re-labeling of goods or having donated shirts printed with logos, names or faces of politicians would entail additional expenses.

“That’s what we should closely monitor,” she said.

She said there are audit techniques that can help auditors trace questionable expenses.

Auditors comprise 70 percent of COA’s 8,200 personnel nationwide.

Tan also vowed not to let the agency be used for political or electioneering purposes.

She cited COA’s vital role in stopping wrongdoings in government such as when its auditors helped the Office of the Ombudsman uncover alleged misuse of some P1.782 billion in Malampaya funds.

On the Philippines’ gaining 24 notches in the 2012 Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International ranking, Tan said, “I can say for myself that we are doing our best and I am glad that we are being recognized for it.”