Heidi Reyes Lloce-Mendoza
Heidi Reyes Lloce-Mendoza was born on November 3, 1962. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former civil servant who has established herself as one of the Philippines' most respected auditors and anti-corruption advocates. Mendoza served as a Commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) from 2011 to 2015, and briefly as the agency's Officer in Charge from February to March 2015. Her career reached international recognition when she was appointed as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), a position she held from 2015 to 2019. Before these high-profile roles, she had a distinguished career spanning over two decades at the COA, where she developed a reputation for integrity and thoroughness. Mendoza rose to national prominence in 2011 when she testified in legislative hearings about alleged financial irregularities in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), effectively becoming a whistleblower against corruption. Her courageous stand led to her receiving death threats but also earned her widespread respect as an anti-corruption advocate. Throughout her career, she has also served as an external auditor for international organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization. Mendoza is married to Meynardo Mendoza, a history professor at Ateneo de Manila University, with whom she has three children.
Education
- Certified Public Accountant
- Master's degree in National Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines
- Bachelor's degree in Accountancy
Career Highlights
- Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (2015-2019)
- Commissioner, Commission on Audit (2011-2015)
- Officer in Charge, Commission on Audit (February-March 2015)
- 20+ years of service at the Commission on Audit
- External Auditor for UN organizations (FAO, WHO, ILO)
- Whistleblower on corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (2011)
- Anti-corruption advocate with nearly three decades of experience
Key Platforms
Budget Literacy Empowerment
Advocating for legislation that will educate citizens about government financial activities and budget processes, making complex financial information accessible to ordinary Filipinos. Aims to promote greater public participation in budget oversight by enabling citizens to understand and monitor how public funds are allocated and spent.
Anti-Corruption and Transparency
Pushing for stronger anti-corruption measures and enhanced transparency in government operations, building on her extensive experience as an auditor and whistleblower. Advocates for strengthening oversight bodies, protecting whistleblowers, and implementing stricter accountability mechanisms for public officials.
Abolishment of Pork Barrel Funding
Campaigning for the complete elimination of any form of pork barrel funding in government budgets, which has historically been a source of corruption and mismanagement. Promotes more transparent, needs-based, and performance-based budget allocation processes instead.
Procurement Reform
Championing reforms in government procurement systems to prevent fraud, collusion, and overpricing. Supports strengthening the implementation of the Government Procurement Reform Act and introducing additional safeguards to ensure value for money in public spending.
Good Governance Advocacy
Promoting the principles of good governance at all levels of government, including accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and rule of law. Advocates for institutional reforms that will enhance public service delivery and restore public trust in government institutions.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Supports fiscal discipline and transparent management of public funds. Advocates for economic policies that prioritize accountability and prevent corruption, which she views as essential for sustainable economic development. |
| Education | Emphasizes the importance of budget literacy education to empower citizens with knowledge about government finances. Supports increased transparency in education budgets to ensure resources reach intended beneficiaries. |
| Healthcare | Advocates for transparent management of healthcare funds and closer monitoring of health-related procurement to prevent corruption and ensure that resources benefit patients rather than being lost to fraud. |
| Environment | Supports proper accounting and transparency in environmental projects and funds, ensuring that resources allocated for environmental protection are properly utilized. |
| Labor | Believes in fair and transparent management of labor-related funds and programs. Advocates for accountability in agencies handling labor and employment resources. |
| Agriculture | Promotes transparency in agricultural subsidies and programs, ensuring that funds reach farmers rather than being diverted through corruption or mismanagement. |
| Governance | Core advocacy area. Champions good governance principles including transparency, accountability, and proper stewardship of public resources. Draws on her extensive experience as an auditor to advocate for systems and processes that prevent corruption. |
| Foreign Policy | Brings international perspective from her UN experience. Likely supports cooperation with international anti-corruption initiatives and compliance with global transparency standards. |
| Charter Change | Specific positions on constitutional amendments are not prominently featured in her public statements, though likely supports strengthening constitutional provisions on accountability and transparency. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has expressed conservative views on same-sex marriage, which has generated some debate among potential supporters. Her stance on broader LGBTQIA+ rights issues is less documented in public sources. |
| Drug War | Specific positions on the drug war are not prominently featured in her public statements, though her general advocacy for rule of law and proper procedure would suggest support for legal and transparent approaches to the issue. |
| Icc | Specific positions on the ICC investigation are not prominently featured in her public statements, though her international experience and advocacy for accountability might suggest openness to international legal mechanisms. |
Sources & Citations
- Wikipedia - 'Heidi Mendoza'
- Philstar.com - 'Ex-COA commissioner Heidi Mendoza launches Senate bid, advocates for budget literacy' (2024)
- GMA News Online - 'Ex-COA commissioner Heidi Mendoza joins senatorial race for Eleksyon 2025'
- RAPPLER - 'Heidi Mendoza profile'
- Inquirer News - 'IN THE KNOW: Heidi Mendoza, former state auditor'
- Official Website - 'Heidi L. Mendoza - An Advocate of Good Governance'
- TheXtraordinary - 'Heidi Lloce Mendoza'
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
