Power and accountability
The public uproar on the Department of Health’s (DOH) handling of the multibillion COVID response budget highlighted by the Commission on Audit’s (COA) audit findings for the calendar year 2020 is evidence that the constitutional design for accountability among our public officials is working perfectly well.
For one thing, COA did not single out the DOH as other departments, and government agencies also have their share of audit observations. COA likewise flagged as “unnecessary” the Philippine Ports Authority’s spending of P6.58 million on an infinity pool and a “Jacuzzi”. The Commission also notified the Department of Information and Communication that its purchase of P170 million worth of gadgets from a construction firm was outside its mandate. Pag-IBIG Fund’s purchase of 21 cars worth P36.355 million for use by its officials without the approval of the Office of the President did not escape the meticulous eyes of the auditors.
These are just a few of the audit findings and observations we can find in the annual audit reports of the Commission. The release of these findings is part of the routine work done by the Commission in compliance with its mandate. And this happens every year. What sparks the controversy is that the huge amount of money involved was supposed to alleviate people’s suffering during the pandemic.
The report itself, according to COA, does not mention any funds lost to corruption. Still, the government agencies must account to the public how they used the funds entrusted to them. The recent controversy cannot be considered a trial by publicity but an opportunity for our public officials to transcend beyond the “Winarak ‘nyo kami!” mentality by explaining their side on the issue.
While the audit findings of the Commission may raise suspicion of corruption, these should not be equated yet as evidence of corruption. The findings are tentative and can still be refuted by evidence that clarifies, explains, or justifies the flagged expenditures.
Instead of fighting COA and hurling invectives against the state auditors, the findings must be addressed objectively by our public officials. If there is nothing to hide, there is always an explanation to remedy the auditors’ misgivings.
Time and again, public officials are reminded that public office is a public trust. They are accountable for exercising the powers that come with their office – from the people and for the people.