COA chief Grace Pulido-Tan bids farewell

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Audit (COA) Chair Grace Pulido Tan's term expired Monday, leaving behind pending audit reports expected to weigh on controversial government programs and projects.

"Today, I bid farewell and thank each and everyone of you for a most fulfilling and memorable chapter of my life," Tan said at the agency's flag ceremony on Monday.

The retired official said her agency will continue working on the special audit reports on the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) from 2010 to 2013.

COA will also release much-awaited audit findings on the National Food Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Tan said that the agency was recognized during her term as relentless and fearless as well as for its "hard and biting work."

"Nakita at nadama ng bayan ang isang tunay na malayang Commission on Audit; hindi tumitiklop o natitinag sa mga batikos at pananakot; hindi nasisilaw sa salapi at posisyon; hindi nangingiming humarap kaninuman, tanging sandal ang katotohanan at walang pagiimbot na pagsilbi sa bayan," she said.

Pinutol natin ang kultura ng political patronage, pakikisama at utang na loob for self-aggrandizement.

She also commented on the agency's significant accomplishments despite budget constraints and shortage of resources.

"We pretty much relied on our human resources and talent pool, and worked within the constraints of our budget. We saw that if we work as a team, give the tasks our time and attention they require, and transcend our personal interests for the common and larger goals, we can overcome the impediments to efficiency, effectiveness and excellence," she added.

Tan's retirement follows rigorous audit reports on PDAF, known as the legislative "pork barrel", which have become the basis for the case buildup and prosecution of the Department of Justice against three senators and several lawmakers.

During her four-year tenure, Pulido-Tan also oversaw reports on the questionable Malampaya fund and the DAP, which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2014.

Tan appeared as resource person several times in Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probes the past years.

STAR columnist Boo Chanco wrote that Pulido-Tan provided a "much-needed credibility to [President Aquino's] anti-corruption drive."

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"She leaves behind a constitutional body just gaining credibility with the big mission of making sure public money is not just spent according to law but spent well," Chanco said. "One thing Pulido-Tan proved is the absolute necessity of having a competent and honest head of this constitutional body."