Meralco spearheads audit awareness program to empower future auditors

‘Internal auditing is not just about compliance or numbers. It is about foresight, integrity, and the courage to ask the right questions — even when the answers may be uncomfortable.’ — Meralco senior vice president and group chief audit executive Melanie T. Oteyza

DT·31 May 2025, 2:33 am

Meralco spearheads audit awareness program to empower future auditors — Navigating change. The guest speakers imparted their knowledge to the students during the question and answer session. Seen in the photo are (from left) Meralco head of Governance Compliance & Fraud Audit Kevin P. Sto. Domingo, IIA-Philippines Marketing and Communications manager Rudolph Jimenez, Meralco senior vice president and group chief audit executive Melanie T. Oteyza, head of Shared Services Audit Dave Phillip D. Cruz and head of Technology, Infra & Security Audit Lester Jake M. Garing.
Photographs courtesy of meralco

In celebration of the International Audit Awareness Month, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) launched a learning session that aims to empower and equip the next generation of audit professionals with essential tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business world.

The Sparking Internal Audit Literacy, an initiative led by the power distributor’s Internal Audit office, seeks to raise awareness about the profession by providing expert perspective on auditing practices, emerging business trends, and bridging the gap between the academe and the industry.

Over 100 students and faculty from various universities including Far Eastern University, University of Asia and the Pacific, De La Salle University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines and representatives from National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants joined the activity, which was headlined by industry professionals from the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

Meralco leaders also discussed the company’s internal audit capability model, cybersecurity and information technology audits, and fraud risk management, while emphasizing the growing importance of risk-based approaches and innovative technologies.

Meralco senior vice president and Group Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza underscored the significance of the internal audit profession in shaping the future of organizations and institutions.

“Internal auditing is not just about compliance or numbers. It is about foresight, integrity, and the courage to ask the right questions — even when the answers may be uncomfortable,” Oteyza said.

“The world is evolving fast technology is advancing, industries are being disrupted, and the global economy is shifting in unprecedented ways. Amid all this change, Internal Audit serves as a compass, helping organizations stay on course and adapt responsibly,” she added.

The learning session aligns well with Meralco’s thrust to uphold the highest standards of integrity, audit quality, and ethical conduct in its operations.

The power distributor’s Internal Audit Office was recently recognized by the PwC Philippines and achieved Trusted Advisor status for conforming to the International Standards of Internal Auditing and Code of Ethics. The company also got the top quartile ranking in the Asia Pacific and Global Industry Benchmarking — the highest rating awarded for External Quality Assessment Review.

Upholding global internal audit standards The Meralco Group Internal Audit has been recognized by the PwC Philippines for upholding the international standards for the professional practice of Internal Auditing and the Code of Ethics. Seen in the photo are (from left) Meralco head of Networks, Power & Engineering Audit John Nicolai H. Sanchez, head of Subsidiaries Audit Christopher P. Sorongon, PwC Philippines Audit manager Cynthia Mabanta, Meralco senior vice president and group chief audit executive Melanie T. Oteyza, head of Shared Services Audit Dave Phillip D. Cruz, assistant vice president and head of Data Analytics and Transformation Audit Ellsworth E. Vitug and head of Technology, Infra & Security Audit Lester Jake M. Garing.