Commission on Audit chief Villar resigns

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Audit (COA) Chairman Reynaldo Villar has filed his resignation effective upon the appointment of his successor. In a three-page letter to President Aquino dated Feb. 22, Vilar denied allegations that he is clinging to his post.

“What pained me, my family and co-workers is that some media practitioners and even politicians have alleged that I am simply clinging to the office and to power without any legal basis,” he said.

He described the present condition of the commission to be at “its bleakest” in the 23 years he had been in it.

“Not because it has failed in meeting its mandate of safekeeping the coffers of the government but because of the perception that is has failed to do so,” Villar said.

“Perception and reality can be indistinguishable in some instances but it can be polar opposites in other cases. This time the perception and reality are poles apart,” he added. He said the COA has been able to prevent the wastage of billions of pesos in government funds in the past few years. He cited a statement of former Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel in 2008 that the commission is the only performing agency under the Arroyo administration.

“But this is not about tooting our own horn. It is about a sincere effort to correct a misimpression,” he said.

Villar also pointed out that his term is supposed to end in 2015. He said that when he was named COA chair in 2008, his appointment papers stated that his term expires on Feb. 2, 2011 but then Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita issued a clarification letter that his term expires in 2015.

Once his appointment was questioned, he submitted his defense to the Supreme Court. 

“The reason why I have not argued my legal position in public even in the face of malicious attacks is borne out of my deepest respect for the Supreme Court considering that the matter is already sub judice,” Villar said.

He said he had asked for Malacañang’s opinion on Ermita’s letter but his request was rejected.

“I would have willingly stepped down (from my position),” he said.

Villar said he cannot just leave COA without a replacement because the constitutional body is a collegial office that needs at least two members to function.

Malacañang welcomed Villar’s decision to step down once his successor is appointed.

“We appreciate (Villar’s) decision,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

“His decision to step aside is a welcome demonstration of his affection and institutional loyalty to the COA and the country. We wish him a comfortable and happy retirement.” – With Eva Visperas, Aurea Calica