Duterte hits back; Palace says no disrespect for COA

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday lashed back at former Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner Heidi Mendoza, who defended the state auditor after the Chief Executive belittled its regulations.

Duterte said Mendoza could not lecture him on procurement because he used to be a special Tanodbayan prosecutor.

“She cannot lecture me because I was ahead of her by a mile when it comes to understanding the nitty gritty,” the President said. 

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte was not disrespecting COA when he made the statements on COA circulars. 

“What is important is respect the people, give the needs of the people,” Roque told radio station dzRH. “Do not mind the COA circulars that are not laws. Give the people what they need before we deal with the requirements (of COA).” 

Duterte said he was taking the side of lower-ranked officials who are punished for procurement anomalies while mayors and governors escape accountability. 

“I have seen in the matter of months the same circular convicting (people). When the mayor asks the treasurer and auditor to sign, they would sign. When the bomb ticks off, the mayors and governors are gone,” he added. 

“I was speaking for the people who cannot defend themselves. I was not criticizing.” 

Earlier, Duterte asked local officials to defy the regulations of COA after Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos informed him that the state auditor had prohibited cash advance to buy building materials for residents affected by the typhoon.

Duterte said he does not comply with COA circulars, which he described as “cock-eyed.”

He added while some government personnel went to jail over a circular, others went scot-free because of the same document.

The President also told Marcos in jest to push COA’s representative down the stairs so he could not report to his superiors. 

Duterte’s comments did not sit well with Mendoza, who stressed that COA deserves to be respected.

Mendoza, who now works as an undersecretary general for the United Nations, said not one of the previous presidents has called on another institution to defy COA’s rules. 

Duterte said he was ticked off when he learned that COA was asking officials of typhoon-hit areas to comply with certain regulations. 

“I said ‘to hell with COA.’ Do not listen listen to them. Just do what I’m telling you to do. I will answer them,” he said.  

“As long as the food reaches the people and every peso was spent for the food and anything needed by the people, I will answer for that.” 

The President said he was ready to defend local executives of typhoon-affected provinces before COA. 

“Just like the military, you just do your duty. If it puts you in trouble, I will answer for it. Do not bother to worry about anything. That’s the work of the president,” he added.