Rep. Tinio asks COA Commissioner Lipana to resign over conflict of interest

ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio is calling for the resignation of Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana due to a potential conflict of interest.

Lipana's wife, Marilou, is the president and general manager of Olympus Mining and Builders Group Philippines Corporation, which has secured nearly P200 million in public works projects, with most awarded in 2025.

COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba confirmed the veracity of reports and admitted that Commissioner Lipana faces a potential conflict of interest.

Tinio cited the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits members of constitutional commissions from having direct or indirect financial interests in any government contract.

Kamanggagawa Representative Eli San Fernando told the COA that the integrity of the entire commission is being put into question.

ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima warned that lawmakers could initiate impeachment proceedings against Lipana for betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption if he does not step down.