NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Defensor Keeps COA Revelations Coming; Questions Fairness In Accountability
Photo credit: CHED
After earlier announcing that he would release Commission on Audit (COA) reports daily, former congressman Mike Defensor has rolled out his second batch of revelations, this time focusing on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
According to the COA report he cited, nearly ₱1 billion in funds tied to CHED remains unsettled as of December 31, 2024. The breakdown includes ₱532.6 million under Notices of Suspension and ₱432.4 million under Notices of Disallowance—bringing the total to ₱965 million.
CHED may be considered a relatively small agency, but the amount raised eyebrows.
Defensor was quick to clarify that these are audit findings—not proof of wrongdoing. No one is being accused, he stressed, as the figures are based on COA’s official observations that still need proper review and resolution.
Still, the former lawmaker is pressing hard on one point—accountability.
He raised a series of questions that he says many Filipinos may also be asking. Where are the hearings? Where is the investigation? And why does it seem like the issue isn’t getting much attention in Congress?
Defensor also pointed out what he sees as a striking contrast. If smaller amounts can trigger major political actions like impeachment, he asked, why is a much larger figure drawing less noise?
For him, the issue goes beyond personalities. It’s about consistency and fairness in how accountability is applied across government.
Because if standards aren’t the same for everyone, Defensor warned, it could deepen public doubts—especially on whether high-profile processes are truly about accountability or driven by politics.
According to the COA report he cited, nearly ₱1 billion in funds tied to CHED remains unsettled as of December 31, 2024. The breakdown includes ₱532.6 million under Notices of Suspension and ₱432.4 million under Notices of Disallowance—bringing the total to ₱965 million.
CHED may be considered a relatively small agency, but the amount raised eyebrows.
Defensor was quick to clarify that these are audit findings—not proof of wrongdoing. No one is being accused, he stressed, as the figures are based on COA’s official observations that still need proper review and resolution.
Still, the former lawmaker is pressing hard on one point—accountability.
He raised a series of questions that he says many Filipinos may also be asking. Where are the hearings? Where is the investigation? And why does it seem like the issue isn’t getting much attention in Congress?
Defensor also pointed out what he sees as a striking contrast. If smaller amounts can trigger major political actions like impeachment, he asked, why is a much larger figure drawing less noise?
For him, the issue goes beyond personalities. It’s about consistency and fairness in how accountability is applied across government.
Because if standards aren’t the same for everyone, Defensor warned, it could deepen public doubts—especially on whether high-profile processes are truly about accountability or driven by politics.
Mar 18, 2026
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