Ex-state auditor Mendoza wants reforms in COA

A former state auditor who earlier disclosed supposed anomalous transactions in the military on Monday said that reforms are needed in the commission she used to work in. Heidi Mendoza said that the Commission on Audit (COA) needs more “independence" so that it can better perform its role of looking into books of accounts of various government agencies. Mendoza was earlier criticized by her former colleagues for allegedly besmirching COA’s reputation during congressional hearings on the alleged corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “I look towards that day na ang ipagtatanggol na budget ng COA ay hindi politicized (when COA will defend a budget that is not politicized)," she said at a forum in San Juan City. Mendoza, who was with the COA for more than 20 years, said that certain aspects of the commission, particularly appointments and its budget, have already been “politicized" in the past years. She likewise said that state auditors should be given more “decent" wages and allowances for them to be able to do their jobs. “Dapat may disenteng wages and allowances ang auditors para hindi mahirap sa kanila mag-conduct ng independent audits (State auditors should be given decent wages and allowances so that it will not be difficult for them to conduct independent audits)," she said. She added that ordinary Filipino citizens should also take part in ensuring that their taxes go to appropriate projects and programs of government. Mendoza has revealed in a congressional inquiry supposed anomalous transactions in the military, including some P200 million in “missing" military funds that former AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia allegedly authorized to be transferred from the AFP’s Land Bank account in San Juan to a questionable bank account in Makati. - Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News