Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez

STA. CRUZ, Laguna — Laguna’s political scene has seen some tension recently, as certain critics of Gov. Ramil Hernandez have started circulating false rumors, aiming to discredit his leadership and diminish his accomplishments.

In response to these claims, the Office of Gov. Hernandez released the Commission on Audit’s (COA) annual reports for 2022 and 2023 on Wednesday (Nov. 13). The move was intended to set the record straight and demonstrate the transparency and integrity of his administration.

The COA’s annual audit is a comprehensive review of a government agency’s financial operations, including an auditor’s certificate, financial statements, and any relevant recommendations for improvement.

2022 COA Report: Qualified Opinion

For 2022, COA Regional Director Atty. Resurreccion C. Quieta, in a letter dated May 24, 2023, expressed appreciation for Gov. Hernandez’s full cooperation, which helped the audit process run smoothly. The audit aimed to verify the accuracy of the provincial government’s financial statements, assess the legitimacy of financial transactions, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

After completing the audit, COA issued a qualified opinion regarding the province’s financial statements. This means that while the auditors found some material misstatements, they were not significant enough to warrant a negative or adverse opinion on the overall financial health of the province.

2023 COA Report: Unmodified Opinion

For the following year, COA’s audit was even more favorable. In a letter dated June 10, 2024, Atty. Quieta again thanked Gov. Hernandez for his full support. After a thorough review, COA issued an unmodified opinion, meaning the auditors concluded that the financial statements were presented fairly and in accordance with the relevant financial reporting guidelines.

An unmodified opinion is the highest rating an audit can receive, indicating strong financial management and compliance with government regulations.

Political Reactions and Public Perception

Despite these positive audit outcomes, some political observers believe there are still efforts to discredit Gov. Hernandez and his wife, Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez. However, many political analysts remain confident that the Hernandez family’s track record of public service will speak for itself. They believe the people of Laguna are well aware of the Hernandez couple’s commitment, integrity, and ability to lead.