No more free cell phones, load for COA auditors

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Audit (COA) auditors can no longer ask for or receive free mobile phones and load credits from the government agencies or offices they are auditing, according to a new circular issued by the agency.

In a circular issued May 7, COA chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan and commissioner Heidi Mendoza amended the rules on how much “support” can be extended to its auditors.

“Provision of telephone mobile, with or without line, and cell card allowance shall be discontinued or prohibited,” Circular 2014-004 read.

“In the event that auditors have been provided with one, the same must be returned,” the new rules issued to all heads of national and local government agencies and institutions specifically stated.

The new directive effectively amends parts of a previous one issued in July 2011, which allowed government agencies and offices to provide cellular phones to auditors as a form of “support.”

The circular was also directed at COA’s directors, audit team leaders, officers-in-charge, auditors, and other concerned officials and individuals.