Press Release - Bong Go files bill proposing the creation of the Government Accountancy Office to strengthen fiscal management; ensure clean, efficient, transparent public spending

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2536, seeking to create the Government Accountancy Office (GAO) under the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to further enhance and professionalize government accounting for better management and control of resources.

The proposed measure, filed on Wednesday, February 7, aims to improve the current governmental accounting systems, setting a new standard for managing and controlling the country's resources.

"In our continuous efforts to elevate public service and instill good governance, it has become increasingly clear that professionalizing government accounting is not just a necessity but a duty to the Filipino people," expressed Go.

"The establishment of the GAO is a step towards achieving a government that is fully accountable, highly efficient, and utterly transparent in managing and controlling the public resources," he explained.

Historically, the management and oversight of financial operations within the Philippine government have needed to be more cohesive and efficient. The over-reliance on the Commission on Audit for auditing public spending has underscored a significant gap in the government's ability to manage its financial systems.

Under SBN 2536, the GAO is envisioned as a central authority responsible for the technical supervision of all accounting functions across government agencies. This centralization is a strategic move designed to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficiency in handling government finances.

The bill aims to also elevate the quality of financial management and control by setting high standards for the accounting profession within the government. Furthermore, the proposed creation of the GAO promises a more organized and streamlined approach to accounting, reducing redundancy and improving the speed and accuracy of financial reporting.

The bill likewise emphasizes the development of a robust internal control system to manage and safeguard government resources effectively, thereby minimizing risks and enhancing accountability. Lastly, the bill seeks to improve the overall efficiency of government operations, enabling faster decision-making and better