NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Defensor Flags Billions In COA Findings On Health Department
Photo credit: DOH
Former congressman Mike Defensor is keeping up his daily release of audit reports, saying it’s his way of pushing for transparency and letting the public judge whether accountability is being applied fairly in government and in Congress.
On day three of his disclosures, Defensor turned the spotlight on the Department of Health, citing findings from the Commission on Audit.
According to the report, the DOH is facing a staggering ₱9.5 billion worth of Notices of Suspension and Disallowance—issues that are still pending review. Defensor noted that while these are not yet final liabilities, the amount involved is significantly larger than other controversies currently making headlines, including issues linked to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The audit also flagged problems in inventory management. Around ₱34.8 million worth of medicines and supplies have already expired, while another ₱99.4 million are close to expiration—bringing the total at risk to over ₱134 million.
Despite the figures, Defensor was careful to clarify that these are audit findings, not proof of corruption.
“I’m not saying there’s corruption here. These are audit observations, not final liabilities,” he stressed.
Still, the former lawmaker raised pointed questions that he says many Filipinos are also asking: Where are the hearings? Where is the public outcry? And why is there no talk of accountability at the same level seen in other issues?
He drew comparisons to past controversies involving smaller amounts that quickly escalated into national debates.
“If ₱73 million became a national issue, why is there silence over billions?” Defensor asked.
For him, the contrast raises a bigger concern—that accountability may be influenced more by politics than by principle.
“If this is the standard, then impeachment becomes political—not justice,” he said.
As Defensor continues his daily COA report releases, the pressure is building for officials to respond—and for the public to take a closer look at how accountability is enforced across the board.
On day three of his disclosures, Defensor turned the spotlight on the Department of Health, citing findings from the Commission on Audit.
According to the report, the DOH is facing a staggering ₱9.5 billion worth of Notices of Suspension and Disallowance—issues that are still pending review. Defensor noted that while these are not yet final liabilities, the amount involved is significantly larger than other controversies currently making headlines, including issues linked to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The audit also flagged problems in inventory management. Around ₱34.8 million worth of medicines and supplies have already expired, while another ₱99.4 million are close to expiration—bringing the total at risk to over ₱134 million.
Despite the figures, Defensor was careful to clarify that these are audit findings, not proof of corruption.
“I’m not saying there’s corruption here. These are audit observations, not final liabilities,” he stressed.
Still, the former lawmaker raised pointed questions that he says many Filipinos are also asking: Where are the hearings? Where is the public outcry? And why is there no talk of accountability at the same level seen in other issues?
He drew comparisons to past controversies involving smaller amounts that quickly escalated into national debates.
“If ₱73 million became a national issue, why is there silence over billions?” Defensor asked.
For him, the contrast raises a bigger concern—that accountability may be influenced more by politics than by principle.
“If this is the standard, then impeachment becomes political—not justice,” he said.
As Defensor continues his daily COA report releases, the pressure is building for officials to respond—and for the public to take a closer look at how accountability is enforced across the board.
Mar 19, 2026
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