Comelec receives highest COA rating

Commission on Elections. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) received an “unmodified opinion” from the Commission on Audit (COA).

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced it on Wednesday.

“I am very happy to announce that, for the first time in its 84-year history, the Commission on Elections received an unmodified opinion in the Annual Audit Report of the Commission on Audit,” he said.

According to the COA, an unmodified or unqualified opinion is issued “when the auditor concludes that the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.”

Garcia said the COA found that Comelec’s financial statements “present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Commission on Elections as of December 31, 2023,” in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

READ: QC receives fourth consecutive highest audit rating from COA

“I know that the road towards this achievement has been steep and fraught with obstacles. Therefore, I would like to give my highest commendation to the hard work of all individuals, offices and departments who contributed to this honor. Your hardships and sacrifices have borne fruit. We are truly inspired by your excellence and dedication,” he added.

Garcia also reminded all Comelec staff not to rest on their laurels or not be complacent about this success and to continue to give their best in becoming the “beacon of excellence in public service.”

READ: COA should do preventive audit to stop Pharmally-type corruption