DepEd welcomes probe on alleged anomalies raised by COA report

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has welcomed the possible probe by Congress on the alleged anomalies raised by the Commission on Audit’s (COA) annual audit report.

“DepEd welcomes the inquiry that the Senate and the House of Representatives plan to conduct on this matter,” DepEd said in a statement issued Monday night.

“We will appreciate a public process to respond to the issues raised in the COA report,” the agency added.

Senate committee on basic education chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) earlier called for an inquiry on DepEd after the COA’s report revealed some anomalies.

Based on COA’s report, P254 million worth of books for Grade 3 students were riddled with errors while P113 worth of learning materials were undistributed and were stuck in warehouses.

READ: COA report: P254M went to ‘error-filled’ DepEd books

“DepEd assures the public and its stakeholders that it had already addressed COA’s observations, and that it is determined to continuously improve its systems and processes,” DepEd said.

Malacañang, on the other hand, vouched for DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones’ competence on Monday saying she will not allow any irregularity inside the agency.   /muf

READ: Palace: Briones won’t allow irregularities in DepEd amid textbook fiasco