PB okays giving multicabs to LGUs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board is amenable to the idea of donating Capitol-owned multicabs to local government units.

Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III said he initially brought up with the Provincial Board (PB) the topic of giving the multicabs to the LGUs.

“I have discussed initially with the PB, okay man sila,” Davide said.

Davide earlier said that he is looking at the possibility of formally turning over the ownership of the multicabs to the LGUs that are currently using these vehicles.

According to records at the Provincial General Services Office, more than 800 multicabs have been turned over to LGUs from 2006 to 2013.

Cities and municipalities that had received the multicabs are responsible for fuel and maintenance while the ownership is still under the provincial government.

Based on the records of the Provincial Accountant’s Office, transportation equipment had been listed under the provincial government’s assets. As of 2013, transportation equipment amount to P175.1 million.

The equipment included all other government vehicles of the provincial government.

But if the ownership of the multicabs would be turned over to the LGUs, more than half of the amount would be taken off from the list of provincial government’s assets.

However, Davide believes this is not a concern.

“What’s the point of retaining this ownership? Dapat ato nana ihatag nila,” said Davide, explaining that the vehicles are provided so the LGUs can provide basic services to their constituents.

He said he had asked provincial legal officer Orvi Ortega to review the memorandum of agreement for the distribution of the multicabs.

“We will soon come up with that deed of donation,” said Davide.

Last month, Davide told some mayors of his intention to turn over ownership of the multicabs.

He explained that some LGUs are not eager to shoulder the maintenance expenses of the multicab they are using since they do not own it.  (FREEMAN)