Tourist bus given to Barili ABC

CEBU, Philippines - The controversial tourist bus of the Province of Cebu was given to the municipality of Barili not through the mayor but through the president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia signed a memorandum of agreement with ABC president Norman Anore, not with Mayor Teresito Mariñas, as reward for the town for topping the Expanded-Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (eGwen) program.

The MOA signing was made during Garcia’s visit to barangay Guibuangan, Barili, two days after the turnover ceremony held in Asturias with other recipients.

The MOA stated that the province recognized the need of local government units of vehicles to support the implementation of tourism programs and activities.

The province retained the ownership of the bus and is responsible for the registration, insurance and other licenses and permits for the operation of the bus.

But the ABC will be responsible for its operational, maintenance costs and expenses, among others.

Aside from tourist-related activities, the bus may also be used in case of calamities.

“We really thank Governor for the continuous support she has been giving to all the barangays in the Municipality of Barili and for entrusting the tourist bus to the ABC,” said Anore, a barangay captain of Mantalongon, Barili.

Anore was the authorized recipient of the tourist bus not Mariñas, Vice Mayor Marlon Garcia earlier said.

A brother of Gov. Garcia, Marlon is running for mayor against Mariñas in 2013 elections.

Marlon said that the town’s barangay captains requested the governor to release the bus to them since Mariñas allegedly always denies their requests for transportation.

 During the visit last Tuesday in barangay Guibuangan, the governor also distributed around P1.7 million worth of financial assistance to the barangays of the town.

Barangays Guibuangan, Luhod, Mantayupan, Poblacion, and Gunting also received multicabs during the occasion. — (FREEMAN)