House ends plenary debates on proposed 2027 COA budget

The House of Representatives on Monday terminated plenary deliberations on the Commission on Audit’s (COA) proposed 2027 budget, bringing it one step closer to inclusion in the General Appropriations Bill. Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña moved to terminate the deliberations after less than two hours of interpellation. Although he did not ask any questions, Cendaña expressed concern over the reduction in COA’s capital outlay. “This is a critical part in their efforts to digitize and computerize the systems within this critical government agency. And I hope that at a certain point, we will be able to restore the necessary capital outlay for the COA,” he said. Davao del Sur Rep. John Tracy Cagas sponsored COA’s proposed budget of P16.46 billion, inclusive of automatic appropriations. Cagas said that, excluding automatic appropriations and considering only new appropriations subject to congressional approval, COA’s proposed budget totals P14 billion, 2.49% higher than its 2026 budget. “The proposed budget is a vital investment in good governance. By equipping COA with the necessary resources, we are strengthening its capability to conduct rigorous audits, expand its workforce of dedicated state auditors, and adopt digital innovations that bring greater transparency to government transactions,” Cagas said. “To starve COA of resources is to weaken our defenses against… corruption. To support COA is to fortify the integrity of our entire bureaucracy,” he added. During the interpellation, Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco questioned COA about its audit report on the House of Representatives, the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of lawmakers, and the House’s allocation for supplies and materials. Cagas said that the plenary deliberations should focus on COA’s proposed budget. “They are here to seek our support. As for the House budget as early as 2024 and 2023, to be fair to COA, their report is there and they have already provided it. If we have some speculation or suspicion, that’s not fair to COA, is it?” he said. “They are doing their job, and it is reflected in the annual audit report. There is nothing being hidden there; it is open,” he added. Tiangco clarified that he was not doubting COA and that he fully supported its proposed budget. Cagas later said, however, that he would no longer answer questions regarding the House’s expenses in 2024 and asked Tiangco to submit his questions in writing. Tiangco said his questions concerned COA’s audit report, which falls within the agency’s mandate. “But if the distinguished sponsor no longer wants to answer any questions, then there is nothing we can do. Then we will stop asking questions,” he said. Before the deliberations on COA’s budget, Tiangco had questioned why the plenary deliberations on the House of Representatives’ own budget were moved from September 24 to September 17. His attempt to reopen the debate was denied.— MCG, GMA News