Philippine auditing body named WTO External Auditor

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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has been appointed as the new External Auditor of the World Trade Organization.

In a news release, the agency said the appointment is a testament to its credibility and strong reputation in international auditing and growing influence in advancing good governance around the world. 

The Philippines’ audit body, an independent constitutional commission, succeeds France’s supreme audit institution, the Cour des Comptes, and will serve a non-renewable term of six years.

In its role, COA will oversee the audit of the WTO’s financial statements, pension plan, and operations in line with the Organization’s financial regulations.

The audit body was selected by the WTO General Council on the recommendation of its Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA). The committee cited how COA’s proven track record in auditing international organizations will help strengthen financial accountability and reinforce trust in the WTO’s governance framework.

“COA’s appointment as the WTO’s new external auditor demonstrates how the world views our capabilities as an independent audit body – reliable, trustworthy, and world-class. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of independence and professionalism in our work with the WTO, continuing our mission to promote transparency and accountability in international institutions,” said COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba.

He said the WTO appointment represents a significant milestone for COA, illustrating its expanding influence and growing force in advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance not just in the Philippines, but around the world.

COA earlier served as External Auditor for several major specialized United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Food and Agriculture Organization. (Contributed story)