COA chief bows out; still no replacement

MANILA, Philippines - Chairman Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan officially retired from the Commission on Audit (COA) yesterday.

Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, as the most senior in rank, will be officer-in-charge, COA’s Public Information Office said.

President Aquino has yet to name Tan’s successor.

In her valedictory speech during the flag-raising ceremony, Tan said she has no regrets that she gave three years and 290 days of her life to public service as she is leaving the Filipino people a “relentless and bold” COA.

“I told you then that I accepted the position only because of my conviction that it was God’s will for me, and not for power, fame and riches,” she said.

“It was true then and it still is now. Hence, I leave without any regret or attachment, only joy and fulfillment that in the three years and 290 days that I was here, I was able to do what I told you then (that) we would (do) – together.” 

Tan took pride in the accomplishment of bringing to the Filipino the COA that the Constitution has ordained.

“More significantly, the nation saw and felt a true and free Commission on Audit; it didn’t fold to threats; it wasn’t blinded by money and position; it didn’t become timid in facing anyone; anchored only in the truth and service to the nation,” she said.

Tan said COA became “relentless and bold” because they scrutinized issues and expenditures that were avoided in the past and thoroughly reviewed them.

She was able to push people to “fastidiously work on ourselves and strive to grow each day in professionalism, patriotism and integrity,” she added.

“We removed the culture of political patronage, camaraderie and debt of gratitude for self-aggrandizement,” she said.

“I told you to trust your qualifications, not the kwalipikasyon – endorsements of politicians or bosses.

“Because of this, we were also able to discover gems of public servants among you, long denied their rightful recognition, and we floated them in the right positions. Yes, some sneaked through loopholes, but where are they now in the organization?” she asked, referring to a few bad eggs in COA.

“Thank you very much for your trust, it was enough for us to have made a big leap forward. For those of you who may not have heard yet, we received a rating in 2013 of +22, from only +8 in 2009 per the SWS survey of best performing anti-corruption agencies; and rose from number 31 in 2012 to number 12 in 2014 – that is in a span of two years – in the Makati Business Club’s perception of government performance. Congratulations for a job well done, and keep it up.”