For the first time in 45 years of the agency's existence, an "unqualified opinion," the highest audit rating from the Commission on Audit (COA), was given to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for fairness of presentation of its financial statements for the fiscal year 2019.
According to MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, this was an acknowledgement of COA for the reforms he instituted from his first year in office.
It validates the agency's commitment to promote a more prudent and transparent spending of public funds, he added.
"The unqualified opinion obtained by the MMDA means that we have successfully met the requirements of the auditors. We are now reaping the fruits of the reforms we have made since our first day in office. We are very grateful to COA for recognizing this more than two years after," the agency's chairman said.
The Commission's unqualified audit opinion is issued when auditors, after thorough examination, concluded that the government agency has fairly and appropriately presented all pertinent documents, without any identified exceptions.
MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia also lauded the performance of its officers and employees, particularly those at the Finance and Administrative Service, for attaining this significant and historic achievement.
"This achievement would not have been possible if not for the dedication and hard work of our Office of the Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration, headed by Assistant Secretary Romando Artes, in terms of ensuring that MMDA's financial records are compliant to all accounting rules and principles," said Garcia.
With the acknowledgement from COA, Lim vowed to continue reforms and services especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.