"Ano Ba Talaga?" – Escudero Questions COA Auditor Over Alleged Computation Error in Notice of Suspension

Escudero Seeks Clarification on COA Figures

Senate Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero questioned former Commission on Audit–Internal Control and Financial Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) auditor Roderick Wamil regarding an alleged computation error found in a December 13 Notice of Suspension.

During the proceedings, Escudero pointed out an apparent discrepancy in the total amount reflected in the document, saying the computation should have been ₱69.837 million instead of the ₱59.787 million stated in the notice.

The exchange became one of the highlights of the hearing as senators sought clarification on the accuracy of official audit records.

Discrepancy in the Figures

Escudero questioned why the computation in the Notice of Suspension appeared inconsistent with the figures reflected in supporting documents.

According to the Senate presiding officer, the total amount should have reached ₱69.837 million, raising questions about how the lower amount of ₱59.787 million appeared in the official document.

The discrepancy prompted further inquiries into the preparation and verification of the audit report.

Reward Payment Amount Also Raised

Aside from the total computation, Escudero also sought clarification regarding the amount allocated for reward payments.

Documents presented during the hearing reportedly showed:

• ₱10.05 million in one record; and

• ₱10 million in subsequent issuances.

When asked which amount was correct, former COA auditor Roderick Wamil responded:

"I wouldn't know."

His response drew attention as lawmakers continued examining the documents presented during the proceedings.

Questions on Accuracy of Audit Documents

The exchange underscored the importance of ensuring that official audit documents contain accurate computations and consistent figures.

Members of the Senate continued asking questions to determine whether the discrepancies were the result of clerical errors, computation mistakes, or differences in documentation.

As of this writing, no final findings have been announced regarding the matter.

Public Interest in the Hearing

The hearing generated discussions online, with many observers emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and accurate government records.

The proceedings form part of the Senate's ongoing examination of documents and testimonies related to public expenditures.

Lacson: Ayusin Muna ng 18 Ex-Marines ang Affidavit Bago Sila Tawagin sa Blue Ribbon Hearing

Senate Circus

March 14, 2026•1 min read

Nagbigay ng pahayag si Senador Panfilo “Ping” Lacson hinggil sa posibilidad na ipatawag sa pagdinig ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee ang 18 nagpakilalang dating miyembro ng Philippine Marine Corps na naglabas ng joint affidavit tungkol sa umano’y mga maleta ng pera.

Ayon kay Lacson, mahalagang linawin at itama muna ng mga testigo ang ilang bahagi ng kanilang affidavit bago sila tuluyang imbitahan sa pagdinig ng komite.

Ipinaliwanag ng senador na may ilang pahayag sa affidavit na tila mahihirapang patunayan, kabilang ang sinasabing ₱805 bilyong halaga ng mga maleta ng pera na umano’y ipinadala sa ilang opisyal ng pamahalaan.

Ani Lacson:

“For now it is clear that parts of their statements are impossible, such as the P805 billion. Just correct your affidavits and bring them closer to the truth, and I’ll call a hearing.”

Para kay Lacson, mahalaga na ang mga testimonya at affidavit na ihaharap sa Senado ay malinaw, maayos, at suportado ng ebidensya upang maging makabuluhan ang imbestigasyon.

Ang Senate Blue Ribbon Committee ay may mandato na magsagawa ng mga imbestigasyon sa mga usaping may kinalaman sa posibleng katiwalian sa pamahalaan at paggamit ng pondo ng bayan.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy ang diskusyon sa publiko tungkol sa mga alegasyon na inilabas ng mga dating Marines at ang mga posibleng hakbang ng Senado kaugnay sa naturang usapin.

🦅 Politikanta Insight

Sa politika, ang isang affidavit ay maaaring maging simula ng isang malaking imbestigasyon.

Ngunit kung ang mga detalye nito ay hindi malinaw o tila mahirap paniwalaan, ang unang hakbang ay linawin muna ang katotohanan.

Dahil sa dulo ng bawat pagdinig sa Senado, ang hinahanap ng taumbayan ay hindi lamang alegasyon—

kundi ebidensya, katotohanan, at pananagutan.

📖 BIBLE VERSE

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.”
— Proverbs 19:9 (KJV)