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Another m e l o d ra m a t i c scene has unfolded in Philippine politics, WORDS where the continuous JAYMIE HAILEY ANG flagging reports made by the Commission on Audit (COA) were questioned by the government and reacted upon by the people. Pop culture sensationalized red and green flags, the former pertaining to basically toxic traits and the latter being the positive and favorable ones. Recently, the COA audits shenanigans have given a new light to these flags. Reports were made and shots were fired. The COA annually submits reports on budget deficiencies of several government agencies, and it was made public for transparency. State auditors provide detailed information on the expenses of these departments and emphasize the need for proper documentation of transactions. “Winarak niyo kami, winarak niyo ang dangal ng DOH,” cried Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III, as his agency Department of Health (DOH) was on the frontline of the controversy. Raw and Rational In addition to DOH, COA also flagged other government agencies including Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), all for their questionable expenses and incomplete documents. The commission made it clear that these reports were publicized not to call out these agencies, especially DOH, but a call of duty where all these relevant pieces of information adhere to the nature of their work. It was not a petty cry, no accusations were even made. They did not even mention corruption, but only expenses unaccounted for and missing legal documents. Since audit reports need to be submitted yearly, the devil’s regime can say that this is not their month. The Constitution is the concrete backer of the commission’s duties including their authority to audit all the transactions made by the government plus their limitations. Note that our state auditors are only doing their rightful job, yet they were flogged by the Duterte administration. Rebels and Reasons Amidst the public cry for Duque’s resignation, the President, of course, came to his defense, claiming how COA tainted their reputation and incited people to cast doubt on their governance. “Do not flag and do not publish it because it will condemn the agency or the person that you are flagging,” Duterte said, focusing more on the ego of the exposed offices instead of questioning the budget deficiencies.
PAGE DESIGN JOEMARIEQUEEN DEL ROSARIO
CULTURE 15
“...I will protect you people, it includes your money. Do you think papayag ako na may isa dito sa Cabinet member magnakaw maski P1,000? You really think that I would allow it?” he continued ironically. We all saw it coming, them resorting to being manipulative men, proceeding to throw a pity party for themselves instead of aiming to be honest and transparent. All they do is manipulate us into thinking that our pandemic-allotted funds are in good hands. But we continuously face shortage of necessary equipment in medical facilities, lack of vaccine supplies, lack of financial subsidies and hazard pay for our workers, and many more problems concerning our national budget. Our overworked yet underpaid frontliners are crying for help; yet they are still unheard and even cheated on. Public funds are in good hands, they said. It begs the question, whose hands are they pertaining to and why do they feel so dirty? Corruption always comes in disguise, after all. Rage and resistance The sudden outbursts of these officials drew all sorts of reactions from the citizens. Netizens expressed their dismay and disbelief across different social media platforms, with some focusing on the questionable purchases of the government agencies. Several political figures also opposed the President’s statement. Senator Miguel Zubiri said in an interview that “COA is crucial for good governance,” opposing the President’s issue about the audit. Former Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore Te said that the COA is an independent body and does not need to take demands from the President. This is the part where the fascist regime’s cronies don’t understand. They may think they are all above the law, but the Constitution says otherwise. It is a clapping moment when COA proceeded to publish the reports concerning the public funds amid outcries and clamour. If it weren’t for COA’s audit reports on the mishandling of our national funds, this would have been another year of overspending and corruption gone under radar. If it weren’t for the flags plus the sketchy reactions of the government officials, many would still be oblivious to the fact that the Filipino people are being robbed of rights and riches. This controversy proves that the Duterte administration attacks whoever goes against their will, even the state auditors who are doing their rightful jobs in reflecting the people’s taxes. The people wish utmost protection unto our state auditors, and continue the struggle to demand for accountability and transparency. ▼
GRAPHICS JETHRO BRYAN ANDRADA
