CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" and to the
incorporation  by reference  of our report  dated  February 6, 1998 for the John
Hancock V.A. World Bond Fund and the John Hancock V.A.  Strategic Income Fund in
the Proxy  Statement of the John Hancock V.A. World Bond Fund and Prospectus for
John Hancock V.A.  Strategic  Income Fund filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in this  Registration  Statement (Form N-14) under the Securities Act
of 1933.


                                                         /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                         ---------------------
                                                         ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Boston, Massachusetts
January 6, 1999