CONGRATULATIONS are in order for the Philippine National Police leaderships in 2022 amid the excellent grade it received from the Commission on Audit for its exemplary fiscal management of the PNP’s budget last year.

Year 2022 actually saw the PNP having three commanders: General Dionards Carlos of PMA ‘Maringal’ Class of 1988 from January 1 to May 8 (Carlos was PNP chief from November 13, 2021 to May 8, 2022); Lieutenant Gen. Vic Danao of PMA ‘Sambisig’ Class of 1991 who was PNP Officer-in-Charge from May 8, 2022 to August 1, 2022; and Gen. Jun Azurin, the top cop from August 1, 2022 to last April 24 when he was succeeded by Gen. Benjie Acorda.

Expected to be taken with a heavy heart by its critics, the PNP’s program on transparency and accountability particularly when it comes to its budget management has been cited by the COA which released its official audit report on the consolidated financial statements of the PNP ending on December 31, 2022.

After completing a thorough review of the PNP’s fiscal management in 2022, the COA provided an ‘unmodified opinion’ which showcased the exemplary program of the police force when it comes to spending its annual budget.

According to the COA, its audit repor conducted in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) encompassed the consolidated statement of financial position, consolidated statement of financial performance, consolidated statement of changes in net assets/equity, consolidated statement of comparison of budget and actual amounts, consolidated statement of cash flows, and notes to the consolidated financial statements of the police force.

An “unmodified opinion,” commonly referred to as a clean opinion, is the highest level of assurance in financial reporting, the COA explained. It pertains to the financial audit conducted regularly by COA auditors on the agencies within its jurisdiction.

As explained by the COA, it may be unmodified or modified, depending on whether an agency’s financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable financial reporting framework.

An unmodified opinion which is also referred to as unqualified opinion, is issued when the auditor concludes that the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

The COA’s assessment affirmed the accuracy of the PNP’s financial statements, portraying the agency’s financial position as of December 31, 2022, and its financial performance, cash flows, changes in net assets/equity, and budget compliance for the year, explained PNP Public Information Office chief, Brigadier General Red Maranan.

The ‘unmodified opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the PNP’ was released by Nelson Talabucon, the supervising auditor of the Audit Group D-Cluster 4 of the COA.

“Our audit process adhered to international standards and ethical principles, allowing us to provide an objective assessment of the PNP’s financial position and performance,” said the COA report.

Under the principles of the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) and in full compliance with the Revised Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Commission on Audit Official and Employees (Code of Ethics), COA confirmed the independence and integrity of the audit process.

According to the COA, its audit team ensured compliance with all ethical requirements relevant to the audit of the financial statements, demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

COA, an independent constitutional body mandated to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the Philippine public sector yearly audits government agencies and ensures the prudent use of public funds to safeguard the interest of the Filipino people. Its complete audit report on the PNP’s fiscal management in 2022 is now available for public access on the COA’s official website.

Brig. Gen. Maranan said the successful completion of the audit is a testament to the PNP’s steadfast commitment to transparent and responsible financial management as the PNP leadership headed by Gen. Acorda fully welcomed the COA findings.

“We are grateful for the thorough and independent audit conducted by the Commission on Audit. The unmodified opinion validates the PNP’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sound financial management,” Brig. Gen. Maranan said.

“This recognition motivates us to continue our efforts in upholding transparency and accountability in managing the resources entrusted to us. We remain steadfast in our mission to serve and protect the Filipino people while ensuring prudent use of public funds,” he added.