PB Sanchez eyes recall of towns firetrucks

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez is eyeing the recall of all the province-owned firetrucks from the different municipalities and component cities and be turned-over to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Sanchez said that it was BFP 7 Director Maria Luisa Hadjula who requested Gov. Hilario Davide III for the turn-over of the firetrucks so that the office would be the one to take care the maintenance.

Sanchez who chairs the PB committee on municipal and provincial properties said that BFP wants the firetrucks will be donated to them and it spares the provincial government from spending the maintenance.  Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale confirmed a lot of firetrucks in the municipalities are now unserviceable. 

The memorandum of agreement provides that the Capitol retains ownership of the firetrucks but the maintenance shall be shouldered by the concerned local government units.

Sanchez’s motion has raised question from PB Member Joven Mondigo Jr. as to the intention of the recall when all towns in his district are affected.

“The intention is simply to tip-top-shape,” Sanchez said.   PB Member Peter John Calderon moved for the deferment of the approval of Sanchez’s motion instead proposed that BFP official shall be invited in their next session to answer queries among the members.

Sanchez agreed to the proposal to invite BFP official as she assured that the unit will not be taken away from the concerned LGU but the BFP has to take care of its maintenance.

She added that to be recalled are those units that are unserviceable in order to be repaired. — (FREEMAN)