Audit agency gives QC high marks

For the first time in its history, the Quezon City government has earned an “unqualified opinion” from the Commission on Audit in its annual audit report for 2020.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said this recognition is a testament that her vision for good governance has been internalized by the city’s leaders.

She thanked COA and the offices under the local government unit for achieving the highest standard in audit amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is the most important recognition that a local government unit like us can get. This is a validation of our efforts for good governance in Quezon City, and this is also a welcome surprise since we received this in our first term,” she said.

“Despite the pandemic, QCitizens are assured that the finances of the city are properly used for services, programs, and projects for the benefit of all. This is really historic,” she added.

The unqualified opinion is the highest audit opinion that COA can render to a government agency,   a local government unit.

Lawyer Rex Quieta, resident auditor, turned over the annual audit report during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.

He said the city government  has complied with all the standards of the government’s auditing firm.

“This is important because it signifies that the financial records and financial statements of Quezon City comply with the high standards, rules, and regulations of COA,”   Quieta said.

The Belmonte administration has implemented measures towards improving the transparency and efficiency of its services.

The mayor’s first executive order after assuming office was to create the Internal Audit Service to ensure that assets and resources are properly and transparently accounted for.

“Thank you to everyone involved in this achievement and may this inspire us to sustain the standards of good governance in the city in the next years,” Belmonte said.