For first time since 2009, DOT receives COA’s highest audit rating
MANILA, Philippines — For the first time since 2009, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has received the highest audit rating from the Commission on Audit (COA).
In a statement on Friday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that state auditors rendered an “unqualified report” over the DOT’s financial statements for the fiscal year 2019.
An “unqualified opinion”, according to the DOT citing a COA report, can only be rendered if the financial statements of an audited entity are “presented fairly in all material aspects, after being subjected to scrutiny in accordance with International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions.”
“This Unqualified Opinion gives the DOT an over-all clean and positive image in the eyes of its clients and stakeholders,” Puyat said.
“It clearly confirms that there are no material discrepancies or misstatements found in the financial statements of the department and that we did everything fairly and in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations,” she added.
Puyat added that despite the accomplishment, she also challenged the DOT’s employees to keep up the good work.
“For the employees, it means a ‘job well done,’ a seal of excellence and transparency for the DOT,” she said.
“Achieving this milestone in this challenging time is a motivation for us to continue leading the tourism sector in helping rebuild the economy, and helping the sector rise from the torment of COVID 19,” she added.
“Integrity and accountability are cornerstones of transformational public service.”
