P14.77-billion budget eyed for Commission on Audit for 2027
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Audit (COA) is seeking a P16.05-billion budget for 2027, but the Department of Budget and Management has recommended cutting it to P14.77 billion.
A huge chunk or 95% — P14.04 billion — of the COA’s proposed budget is allocated for personnel services or salary and benefits of employees. For the daily operations of COA, it seeks P737.98 million.
Based on the 2027 proposed budget, COA earmarked P7.56 billion for its government auditing program, P75.27 million for its government accountancy program, and P254.62 million for its financial adjudication program.
The budget proposal for 2027 is 2.43% higher than COA’s P41.42 billion approved budget in 2026.
Previously, COA Commissioner Mario Lipana was questioned in the House of Representatives over the potential issue of conflict of interest, as his wife Marilou is a government contractor.
Based on Rappler’s report, the company owned by Marilou — Olympus Mining and Builders Philippines Corporation — secured P2.29-billion worth of DPWH contracts since her husband’s appointment as COA commissioner.
COA has a critical role in flagging possible corruption and making sure that public funds are properly utilized.
The House appropriations committee will take up the proposed COA budget on Tuesday, August 25, at 3 pm. – Rappler.com
