Sorsogon officials assert full compliance with COA’s 2021 audit observations |

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The Provincial Government of Sorsogon has affirmed that both its current and former officials have fully complied with the Commission on Audit’s (COA) 2021 Audit Observation Memoranda (AOM) related to projects implemented during that year.

According to provincial officials, this renders the recently filed complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman—targeting Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who previously served as governor, along with several incumbent and former provincial officials—baseless and politically motivated.

In a joint statement, acting Provincial Accountant Sheena Gacosta Credo, Provincial Internal Audit Officer Atty. Cesar Balmaceda, and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Ron Ely Espinosa said the accusations failed to consider that the AOMs had already been addressed in line with COA’s recommendations.

“These COA reports stem from various Audit Observation Memoranda issued to the Province of Sorsogon. However, the complainant did not verify whether concerned personnel had already complied with COA’s recommendations for the 2021 AOMs,” the statement said.

The officials added that COA issued no notices of suspension or disallowance related to the matters raised in the complaint, noting that the responses and corrective actions taken by provincial personnel were deemed satisfactory based on the 2022 COA Report.