COA commissioner Lipana gets CA confirmation

Mario Gonzales Lipana faces a panel of the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, for his confirmation as commissioner of the Commission on Audit. Screengrab

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Mario Gonzales Lipana as commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA).

Before the CA’s plenary session, the body’s Committee on Constitutional Commissions and Offices deliberated on and recommended the approval of Lipana’s nomination as COA commissioner for a term expiring on Feb. 2, 2027.

Lipana is replacing Commissioner Jose Fabia, who ended his term in February 2020.

Rising from the ranks, Lipana has been with the COA for nearly four decades. He most recently served as the commission’s regional director in Calabarzon while heading the Intelligence and Confidential Fund Audit Office in a concurrent capacity.

“For 38 years, without any break, I have served only one institution,” he said during his confirmation.

“I have been assigned to various government agencies in the legislative, executive and constitutional bodies and in the process, I have acquired such extensive experience and expertise that a civil servant who rose steadily from the ranks could ever acquire,” he added.

As a COA commissioner, Lipana assured he will implement “effective and innovative solutions in keeping with the extraordinary challenges and opportunities brought about by the pandemic and technological changes.”

EDV