2 brgy vehicles put to personal use?

 CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Council ex-officio member and T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Ralota has suggested that every time barangay vehicles are to be brought outside the territorial jurisdiction of the city there should be a trip ticket that will be approved by the barangay captains.

This after a report that some of the newly-purchased Cebu City vehicles distributed to different barangays of the city are being put to personal use.

“Mohimo ko’g resolusyon bahin niini aron mahunong na ang pag-abuso sa mga sakyanan nga gipanag-iya sa barangay ug apil kadtong gihatag sa mga barangay,” said Ralota, president of the Association of Barangay Councils.

Some of those newly-purchased city vehicles were not entrusted to the barangay captains because Mayor Michael Rama said that they are not his allies.  The mayor instead entrusted the vehicles to his allies in the barangay council.

The new Toyota Hilux intended for Barangay T. Padilla was not entrusted to Ralota, but to Councilman Ian Hasamal. Ralota said he learned that the vehicle was brought to Badian town days after the barangay councilman received it.  He does not know the purpose of Hasamal in going to Badian and other southern towns of the province.

Meanwhile, Cogon-Pardo Barangay Captain Eugenio Gabuya also believes that the newly-purchased City Hall vehicle given to his barangay but entrusted to Councilwoman Orvilla Bacalso is also being used for personal services.  Gabuya said the vehicle is not parked in the barangay, but in the house of Bacalso and sometimes driven by somebody who is not a barangay employee.

The Commission on Audit earlier asked City Hall to observe the state audit rules on how to use government vehicles by not using them for personal interest.   (FREEMAN)