Heidi Mendoza

Heidi Reyes Lloce-Mendoza (born November 3, 1962)^[1][2] is a Filipino auditor, Certified Public Accountant, and former civil servant. She served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) from 2015 to 2019. Mendoza previously served as one of the two commissioners of the Commission on Audit (COA) from 2011 to 2015, and was the agency's Officer in Charge (OIC) from February to March 2015.^[3][4]

Mendoza ran for a Senate seat in the 2025 Philippine general election.

Mendoza was born in Tayabas, Quezon to Agapito Lloce, a policeman, and Silveria Reyes. She attended Tayabas East Elementary School and graduated as class salutatorian from St. John Bosco Academy in Tayabas. Mendoza earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Sacred Heart College of Lucena City in 1983 and became a certified public accountant in 1984.^[1][2] She pursued post-graduate studies at the National College of Public Administration and Governance at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and at the National Defense College of the Philippines, where she completed a Master in National Security Administration (MNSA).

Mendoza previously worked with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and was a member of the board of advisers of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government.^[3]

Mendoza served as commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) from April 18, 2011 to November 11, 2015. During her tenure, she was recognized for her efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in government transactions. She played a key role in uncovering irregularities in public funds, earning her a reputation as a staunch advocate against corruption.

On February 3, 2015 Mendoza was named Officer in Charge (OIC) of COA following the end of chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan's term the previous day.^[3] Mendoza served in that role until March 25, when President Benigno Aquino III appointed Michael Aguinaldo as the new permanent chairperson of COA.^[5]

On October 6, 2015, Mendoza was nominated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to head the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), replacing Canadian Carman Lapointe.^[4][6][7] She served in this role until October 17, 2019, overseeing internal audits, investigations, and inspections to ensure the integrity of the United Nations' operations worldwide. Mendoza has also served as an external auditor for the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, and International Labour Organization.^[6][8]

In the 2025 Philippine Senate election, Mendoza ran as an independent. Her platform focused on empowering budget literacy through legislation that will teach people about the government's financial activities, as well as advocating for the abolishment of any form of pork barrel funding.^[9] Mendoza lost in the May 2025 elections, placing 21st.^[10]

Mendoza has been vocal about the need to abolish pork barrel funds, which have been associated with corruption and misuse of public resources.^[9] Her Senate platform emphasizes budget literacy, aiming to educate citizens about government financial activities. She believes that an informed public is essential for holding leaders accountable and ensuring the proper allocation of resources.^[9]

Mendoza acknowledges that corruption remains a pervasive issue in the Philippines, stating, "People tend to be resigned to it. But I want to get rid of the feeling that corruption is a way of life. I want people to have hope in their hearts that things will change."^[11]

On social issues, Mendoza has largely taken conservative-leaning stances due to her upbringing and religious belief. In November 2024, Mendoza stated that she is against the legalization of divorce, even in cases of domestic abuse and violence against the wife. She added that "true love endures" and that a "temporary" separation with the end goal of reconciliation is enough for a husband and a battered wife.^[12]

Mendoza's positions on gender equality concerning the LGBTQ+ community have been dodgy in certain instances. During the campaign season for the 2025 senatorial elections, Mendoza began using "pro-LGBT" campaign advertisements and social media engagements, which led to multiple LGBT personalities to campaign for her. However, during an open forum in April 2025, Mendoza stated that she was against same-sex marriage or marriage equality, causing hurt towards LGBT+ groups who called Mendoza's position as a betrayal. After the backlash, Mendoza clarified that she is "open" for conversations, which was accepted by LGBT personalities. But in another forum, when asked if she was in favor of same-sex marriage, she answered a "qualified no".^[13][14] She later clarified that if elected as senator, she will "not block" a same-sex union bill.^[15]

Mendoza signaled that she is against the SOGIE Equality Bill, a proposed legislation which aims to provide equality for all Filipino citizens on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, which all individuals have. The bill covers equality protections in schools, workplaces or job opportunities, healthcare, and public institutions, among others. In June 2025, Mendoza released a statement of reflection in her Facebook account, where she stated that she is not homophobic, transphobic, or a bigot. She also acknowledged the long struggle of the LGBT community in enacting the SOGIE Equality Bill and the need for more dialogue.^[16]

• Official Facebook - Volunteers Group Page
• Official Facebook - Heidi Mendoza Volunteers Page
• Official TikTok Account
• Website Created by a Filipino Volunteer