COA faces critical shortage with need for 384 additional auditors

The Commission on Audit (COA) is grappling with a substantial personnel deficit that threatens to hamper its auditing operations, officials disclosed during budget hearings on the national legislature's appropriations committee. Assistant Commissioner Lorna Cabochan told lawmakers the agency requires almost 400 additional field auditors to meet operational demands and maintain audit quality across government agencies and entities.

Cabochan presented the staffing challenge during the House committee's review of the COA's 2027 budget allocation, underscoring the gap between current workforce levels and what auditors deem necessary for effective operations. The shortfall represents a significant constraint on the agency's capacity to conduct thorough examinations of public funds and government transactions.

The disclosure comes as the COA continues to shoulder broad responsibilities in auditing government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and other entities receiving public resources. Personnel limitations have been identified as a recurring concern affecting the timeliness and scope of audit operations nationwide.

The budget hearing highlighted the need for Congress to consider adequate funding provisions to address staffing gaps and ensure the COA can fulfill its constitutional mandate. Officials indicated that bolstering the auditor workforce would enhance the agency's ability to detect irregularities and strengthen financial accountability across government.