AN interplay between governance and public perception can be a delicate balance in the world of politics, especially at the local level.
Recent events in Laguna province have shown this dynamic, particularly as Gov. Ramil Hernandez faces unfounded rumors and attacks from the political opposition aimed at undermining his leadership.
This prompted his office to take a significant step in clarifying the state of his administration by publicly releasing last Nov. 12 the annual reports from the Commission on Audit (COA) for 2022 and 2023.
The move was seen as a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance on his part.
The COA’s audits are critical in assessing the financial health and operational integrity of government agencies.
These reports provide insights into how public funds are managed and whether the government adheres to established regulations.
For the year 2022, the COA, led by Regional Director Resurreccion C. Quieta, commended Governor Hernandez for his cooperation with the audit team, highlighting the importance of collaboration in ensuring a thorough evaluation.
Following a full and comprehensive audit for the year 2022, the state auditors then subsequently rendered a qualified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of the province’s financial statements in view of the significance of the exceptions noted in the audit, as stated in the independent auditor’s report.
The COA says a qualified opinion is issued when the auditor, after having obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence, concludes that misstatements, individually or in the aggregate, are material but not pervasive in the financial statement.
The audit process involved a detailed examination of financial statements, compliance with laws and operational efficiency.
It reassured the public that government assertions about its financial status are accurate and that funds are being used appropriately.
The findings from the 2022 audit not only affirmed the legitimacy of the provincial government’s financial transactions but also offered constructive recommendations for improvements — demonstrating a proactive approach to governance.
For the year 2023, COA’s Quieta in a letter to Hernandez on June 10, 2024, again expressed their appreciation to him for his full cooperation during the conduct of the audit.
After a careful and judicious audit, the COA this time rendered an even better, unmodified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of the province’s financial statements as stated in the Independent Auditor’s Report.
An unmodified opinion, as defined by COA, 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 release of these audit reports serves as a powerful counter-narrative to detractors who seek to paint a misleading picture of governance in Laguna.
It underscores the importance of relying on factual, audited information rather than engaging in the politics of rumor and speculation.
In a climate where misinformation can spread rapidly, the actions taken by Hernandez’s office are a reminder of the vital role that transparency plays in public service.
By making the COA reports accessible, the provincial administration not only defends its record but also invites public scrutiny and engagement — a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Furthermore, this situation emphasizes a broader lesson in political accountability.
Elected officials must be willing to openly share their performance metrics and engage with the community regarding their governance.
In doing so, they can build trust and foster a more informed electorate capable of distinguishing between fact and fiction.
As Laguna moves forward, the commitment of its leaders to transparency will be crucial.
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Last Sunday, the newly minted acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, disclosed that he had sent a letter to the special envoy on transnational crime, Anthony Alcantara, endorsing the request of Rheana’s Trading Inc. for the issuance of an Interpol red notice against businessman Lavish Mohan Paryani, a British national.
RTI, which is engaged in the wholesale distribution of electronic parts and communications equipment, filed a P12 million estafa case against Paryani.
In his letter to Alcantara, Torre stated his recommendation is aligned with the Anti-Money Laundering Act, National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization Act and Human Security Act, “which mandate international cooperation to apprehend individuals involved in transnational crimes impacting Philippine entities.”
Interpol notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts, allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.
A red notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action.
Paryani fled the country before the arrest warrant was issued against him and co-accused Regina Reyes by the Regional Trial Court of Pasay City last month.
Reyes, reportedly a former five-star hotel employee, was arrested on Oct. 11.
Authorities said Paryani’s last known address was Porter Ranch, California, in the US.
Well, it seems Torre has made it a habit not to let down on his pursuit of every suspected felon whenever it comes his way. It should be remembered it was Torre who successfully flushed out suspected human trafficker Pastor Apollo Quiboloy from his underground hiding place in Davao City last September.
Torre, having been appointed to the CIDG, looks tailor-fit for his job.