LIZA Maza, the newly appointed head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, said Wednesday she plans an audit of the agency to look into the alleged questionable hiring of consultants during the time of her predecessor.
“It can’t be possible that your agency contributes to the increase of poverty in this country, right?” Maza, a former representative of the Makabayan bloc, said in a television interview.
“So there is a need for audit. I want a fresh start.”
Leftist groups had previously questioned the commission’s hiring of more than 81 personnel under contract of service and 19 consultants, which transpired during the tenure of Aquino ally Joel Rocamora, a member of Akbayan.
The first executive order from President Rodrigo Duterte placed 12 line agencies under the Office of the President to develop programs and projects to reduce poverty, improve the lives of vulnerable sectors, promote social education and listen to people for feedback.
Maza said she will look into the commission’s programs first before determining the number of consultants she should hire, though it’s unlikely she will hire as many as her predecessor did.