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%03 %b. %2013|News
Statement by GOPAC on the Philippines Commission on Audit Report
GOPAC has received a copy of the Philippines’ Commission on Audit (COA) Report into
the Philippines’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), which was prompted by
what has become known as the “pork barrel scandal”.
The report names former Philippine Senator and recently-elected GOPAC Chair Edgardo
J. Angara, and raises concerns about PDAF funds directed by his office between 2007 and
2009.
Mr Angara has informed GOPAC that, in accordance with our governance policies, he
will submit a documentary report to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
for its review, which is charged with determining next steps.
Mr Angara has made it clear that he intends to dispute and refute any allegations of
impropriety in his work with the PDAF and clear his name, and that he will co-operate
fully with the relevant Philippine authorities investigating the matter.
The assertions of the COA are still in the process of being investigated and validated by
the Philippines’ Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Council (IAGC). In the interest of proceeding
impartially, fairly and with full information to uphold our Code of Conduct, GOPAC
looks forward to the IAGC’s findings and to receiving Mr Angara’s report.
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