DOJ assures compliance with rules on release of COA's audit reports
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Thursday, Sept. 14, it will comply with whatever rules would be adopted on the release of the audit reports of the Commission on Audit (COA) on government agencies.
“We will comply with the rules whichever way it is crafted,” DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said.
The DOJ's stand was pointed out by Clavano, also the department's spokesperson, in response to the proposal of Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires to the House of Representatives not to publish COA's annual audit reports (AARs).
He said the DOJ will leave it to legislators what actions to take on the proposal of Martires.
“It is for the proper appropriate authorities to decide - we will simply follow,” he also said.
Martires made the proposal during a hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations.
In making the proposal, Martires assured in a previous statement that he is not defending any government official.
"Wala akong pinapaboran na opisyal. Kung sino ang tiwaling opisyal tanggalin natin... but let us have proof dahil lahat ng opisyal ng gobyerno tao yan, may dignidad yan, they must be respected, (I am not favoring any official. Whoever is corrupt, let's get rid of them... but let us have proof because all government officials are human beings, they have dignity...)," he said.
The Ombudsman maintained that they are only trying to avoid trial by publicity.
As far as the OMB is concerned, "we do not say a word" as he pointed out that on cases filed before his office the outcome is released when the decision is promulgated.