Office of VP Duterte earns another favorable audit opinion ahead of impeachment trial

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Thursday announced that it received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit for calendar year 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year it has obtained the agency's highest audit opinion under Sara Duterte.

The OVP said COA transmitted its 2025 Annual Audit Report through a letter dated June 16, just days before Duterte's impeachment trial is set to begin on July 6.

“The fourth consecutive unmodified opinion underscores the OVP's sustained commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds, while reinforcing its adherence to the principles of good governance and sound financial management,” the OVP said.

In its Annual Audit Report dated May 15, COA said the OVP's financial statements were fairly presented and complied with applicable accounting and financial reporting standards.

“In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of OVP as at December 31, 2025, and its financial performance, cash flows, changes in net assets/equity, and comparison of budget and actual amounts for the year then ended,” COA said in its report.

The OVP noted that the latest audit opinion is the fourth consecutive unmodified opinion issued during Duterte's tenure. It also reported that it utilized 92.32 percent of its allocation under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, which it said reflected prudent fiscal management despite expanded operations and increased demand for its programs.

The office explained that an unmodified, or unqualified, opinion is the highest audit opinion that COA can issue.

“An unmodified, or unqualified, opinion is the most favorable audit opinion that COA can issue,” the OVP said.

“It signifies that an agency's financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with the prescribed financial reporting framework, including the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs),” the OVP said.

The audit opinion pertains to the presentation of the OVP's financial statements and compliance with accounting and financial reporting standards. It is separate from the impeachment proceedings against Duterte, whose trial is scheduled to begin on July 6.

The OVP said the latest audit finding reinforces its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds while continuing to implement its public service programs.

-Paraluman News