Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is committed to uphold good governance, especially the responsible use of public funds to benefit the lives of her constituents.
Belmonte affirmed her commitment after the city government earned the highest audit rating from Commission on Audit (COA) for the third straight year.
The Quezon City government recently received an “unqualified opinion” from COA for its 2022 annual audit report following an assessment.It indicated that the city’s financial affairs are well-managed and accounted for, adhering to stringent audit regulations.
In an interview with “PolitiSkoop” hosted by Michael Fajatin and Ina Andolong, the mayor emphasized the importance of restoring the public’s trust in government officials and how obtaining a positive COA opinion serves as a testament to the administration’s sincerity and dedication to serving the people.
“This COA unmodified opinion is one such sign na kahit papaano yung pondo natin ay maayos nating ginagastos na may tapat na or ang records natin ay maayos, ang financial statements natin ay makatotohanan at maayos at all of the monies of the city are accounted for,” she said.
“So walang pagmamalabis, walang pag-aabuso, walang irregularities at lahat ng proyekto at programang ginagastusan natin ay makabuluhan at nakakatulong sa mga buhay ng ating mga pinaglilikuran,” she said.
When she first became QC mayor, Belmonte and her term embarked on a mission to secure the unqualified COA opinion. She cited her duty “to win back the trust and confidence of the people.”
“Napansin ko kasi na maraming taumbayan na medyo jaded na sa kani-kanilang mga government officials and tingin ko one of the best ways that we can prove to the people we are sincere in our desire to help them and to serve them ay kung maipakita natin na tayo ay nagiging tapat sa pangangasiwa sa kaban ng taong bayan,” she said.
Belmonte expressed her satisfaction in obtaining COA’s unqualified opinion, which assures the public that the city’s finances are handled without any abuse or irregularities.
Additionally, it signifies that all projects and programs implemented by the administration are meaningful and genuinely beneficial to the lives of those they serve.
Asked about the incentive for the COA opinion, she said: “Wala talagang natatanggap ang city or any of the government agency. Pero I feel that the recognition is a reward itself kasi mahirap talaga makakuha ng unmodified opinion.”
“That’s how serious we are in achieving this because I feel that this is our best evidence to the people that they can trust our administration.”
Related News:
POLITISKOOP with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte | Quezon City, good job nanaman sa COA!
