Capitol to take away vice governor's vehicles

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. yesterday accused Governor Gwen Garcia of harassing him when she ordered to recall all the vehicles assigned to him.

Sanchez called a press conference yesterday and showed reporters a copy of the letter sent to him by provincial administrator Eduardo Habin.

Habin informed Sanchez that there have been reports of the improper use of vehicles of the Province of Cebu, hence the need to make an inventory, review and rationalize the assignment, utilization and use of all its motor vehicles.

“In view thereof, you are hereby directed to turn over the aforementioned motor vehicles charged to the Office of the Governor but presently used and/or assigned to the Office of the Vice Governor to the Cebu Provincial General Services Office, immediately upon receipt hereof for their proper inventory and assignment,” read Habin’s letter.

Sanchez described the latest move of Governor Garcia, as pure harassment.

He denied that the vehicles issued to him, an Isuzu Fuego, a mini-ambulance, a multicab and three motorcycles, were improperly used by his office and also questioned why it is only now that he was directed to turn over the vehicles.

The vice governor said the governor seeks to cripple him by all means, first by cutting his powers and now taking away his vehicles.

The mini-ambulance, according to Sanchez, is currently assigned to Barangay Bagasawi, Tuburan town, catering not only to that barangay but also residents in the nearby barangays.

Sanchez further said that originally the mini-ambulance was issued to Barangay Apalan in 2007, after he received reports that a pregnant woman was denied the use of the municipal ambulance for political reasons and lost her baby.

He said this was then transferred to Bagasawi after Apalan officials failed to cope with the maintenance.

He added that the Isuzu Fuego is assigned to administrative use while the multicab, which is currently under repair, is used as the Legislative Gavel vehicle.

He said the three motorcycles, one of which is under repair, are being used for errands and messengerial services.

“If they want to make an inventory, they follow their usual procedure by not physically taking hold of the said items or vehicles, but just to inspect and know its condition and whereabouts, so why take back?” Sanchez said.

He said that he will not return the vehicles but will write the Provincial Services Office to make the necessary inspection.

But Capitol spokesman Rory Jon Sepulveda quickly denied that they are harassing Sanchez saying that it is the responsibility of the Governor’s Office to determine the whereabouts of the vehicles and determine where they can best be used.

Sepulveda said that the vehicles are under the responsibility of the Office of the Governor and there is a need to conduct an inventory in preparation for the next term of Garcia.

“Dili siya makabuot kon unsa na ang plano sa mga sakyanan kay ang gobernador mao man ang may katungod niini,” Sepulveda said.

For the other vehicles which are also under the Office of the Governor but assigned to other government offices Sepulveda said that it will not be recalled because they believe that those offices still need the service of the vehicles.

“He is no longer holding any executive office; hence there is no need for him to have extra vehicles,” Sepulveda added.

The said vehicles have to be returned before the start of Garcia’s third term. — Jose P. Sollano and Airynne June Magdadaro, intern/BRP (THE FREEMAN)