Duterte orders OSG to ask COA to audit PRC

President Rodrigo Duterte has directed Solicitor General Jose Calida to formally request the Commission on Audit (COA) to scrutinize the financial records of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed confidence that COA knows its job and that the PRC is not cognizant of the constitutional provision that all public funds should be subjected to audit.

Roque also backed the President's move of coursing the order for COA to audit PRC via the Office of the Solicitor General, stating that the OSG is the legal counsel of the Republic.

Duterte believes the PRC is eligible for government audit because it receives money from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Duterte has accused PRC chairman Senator Richard Gordon of using the organization as a 'milking cow' for his election campaign and criticized his handling of the inquiry into alleged overpricing of medical supplies.