COA chief shrugs off Duterte remark: ‘Sinabi ko sa mga auditor umiwas na lang sa hagdanan’

Commission on Audit chairperson Michael Aguinaldo shrugged off the disdain President Rodrigo Duterte has shown towards the constitutional body, particularly his recent remark that state auditors should be pushed down the stairs. 

At the signing of a memorandum of agreement between COA and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) on Tuesday, Aguinaldo said he only had one advice for his auditors as they ensure that government funds are spent efficiently.

“Sinabi ko na lang sa mga auditor umiwas na lang sa hagdanan,” he said, and declined to give further comments on the matter.

During a post-Typhoon Ompong briefing in Ilocos Norte last month, Duterte called on local officials to defy “stupid” COA circulars after provincial Governor Imee Marcos complained of being disallowed to avail of a cash advance for the purchase of building materials such as GI sheets.

"Sino ang taga-COA dito? Ihulog mo sa hagdanan para hindi maka-report. Maniwala ka diyan COA na 'yan," Duterte declared, as Marcos laughed and clapped her hands, saying "Yes,  yes, yes."

Duterte also claimed that COA has not contributed to national development.

COA chairman Michael Aguinaldo, PACC chief Dante Jimenez sign memorandum of agreement strengthening their cooperation in fight vs corruption, abusive public officials. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/MuHcF4MA5z

— TJ Roxas (@tj_roxas) October 2, 2018

'Quotable quotes'

The PACC was created by Duterte to investigate the alleged corruption of presidential appointees.

The MOA between the two agencies aims to strengthen information-sharing through a joint task force with the goal of fighting corruption in the government.

Asked if the signing ceremony means Duterte is recognizing COA's role, PACC Chairman Dante Jimenez said that Duterte resorted to rhetoric but cannot disregard the functions of the commission.

"He has quotable quotes, meaning to say controversial statements that usually can be distorted. That’s how I know the President. Magsasalita nang ganoon. But, COA, this is a constitutional body. He cannot disregard, the President cannot disregard ang COA," Jimenez said.

Jimenez welcomed the agreement between the two commissions, saying that the PACC has used COA findings in its own investigations. He, however, did not state which agency he wants to prioritize amid the boost in resources.

"Ang basis lang namin dati ay yung mismong audit findings ng COA. 'Yan ang nakalagay sa aming recommendation for the filing of a case... Lahat ng corrupt-related [priority], lahat 'yan under the executive branch," Jimenez said.

He said that there will be an upcoming "surprise" in his Ulat sa Bayan on October 4, Thursday, when he will reveal the initial findings of the PACC on its first anniversary. — BM, GMA News