Maniolas

MANILA, Feb 19 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed Monday the members of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) as he expressed hope that their activities in the Philippines will give them additional knowledge and experience for the benefit of their respective countries.

“I am sure that you, as members of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, understand just how important this kind of transparency is: every single peso—every yen, ringgit, or baht—must be accounted for, as we are spending this money on behalf of our people,” the President said in his speech before the ASOSAI members Malacanang.

“And since we are all in public service, each and every expenditure must have a corresponding value—a value that redounds to the benefit of our people,” he said.

The President noted that over the next few days, he expects the participants to have ample opportunity to talk about both their success stories and the challenges they have encountered.

The President also cited the unity of the organization in its desire to foster integrity in governance.

During his speech, the President underscored the importance of treading the “straight path” that his administration champions adding that by doing the right thing the government could immediately uplift the condition of the people and attain inclusive growth.

“This path is one we cannot tread alone: for the nation to move forward as a whole, everyone must do their part, from those of us in government to the private sector,” he stressed.

The Commission on Audit (COA) helped the administration correct excesses in the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), which gave exorbitant bonuses and allowances.

The discovery of the anomaly allowed the government to make important changes in the way that these corporations were run to ensure integrity, accountability, and transparency in government agencies.

According to the President, the Philippines is fortunate that with the COA, so many other countries continue to come together under an atmosphere of cooperation to help each other move forward.

“After all, no matter what country we are from, no matter what position we occupy, we are all called upon to serve with integrity, and to perform our duties to the best of our abilities,” he said.

ASOSAI is one of the Regional Groups of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

Established in 1979, ASOSAI has 45 members composed of charter members, members and associate members. (MNS)