PROMDI and PDP-Laban (Pimentel wing) presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday, Feb. 22 advised newly-appointed Chairperson Rizalina Justol of the Commission on Audit (COA) to give her best in safeguarding government funds against dishonest and corrupt officials, saying that her performance will also have to undergo final audit by her Creator.

Pacquiao said prior to Justol’s appointment, COA was led by trustworthy officials who performed well during their term of office.

“Sa pagsisilbi sa gobyerno, dapat alalahanin natin na ang dapat nating ginagawa ay para lang sa kapakanan ng taumbayan. (In serving government, we should be reminded to serve only the welfare of citizens),” he said.

“Huwag po natin palampasin ang anumang mga masasamang gawain. (We should not allow wrongdoings to pass),” the Mindanaoan senator stated.

He added: “Kailangan po alalahanin natin na pagdating ng panahon, magiging pananagutan din natin iyan sa Panginoon. (We must remember that when time comes we will have to be responsible to God),” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, who is advocating good governance and anti-poverty programs, was asked by reporters to comment on the appointment of Justol who will takeover the COA chairmanship following the retirement of former Chairman Michael Aguinaldo.

Justol had served the Duterte government in various capacities, including that of a deputy executive secretary for finance and administration. She used to be the city accountant of Davao City during Duterte’s term as mayor.

Pacquiao noted that Justol will have big shoes to fill since COA chairperson in the “past decades” gave their best in ensuring that full compliance of all public agencies to audit and accounting rules in the disbursement of government funds.

“Sa nakita nating record ng COA maganda naman ang performance nila. Hindi lang ito during the last administration but also in the past decade na lumipas. (We have seen COA’s record and they performed well not only during the last adminsitration but also in the past decade),” he said.

Before Aguinaldo’s chairmanshnip in 2015, COA was headed by the following chairpersons: Jose Fabia, Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan and Reynado. A. Villar.

Prior to Justol’s appointment as COA chairperson, President Duterte appointed Mario Lipana who will serve as commissioner until Feb. 2, 2027, He replaced Commissioner Fabia.