'Hot’ Benz used by Palace for dignitaries

Visiting dignitaries are driven around in one of the 22 smuggled cars - a Mercedes Benz - being kept at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) motorpool at Malacañang.

However, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora assured reporters yesterday the 21 other luxury cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) remain in safekeeping and none had been assigned to any government official.

"The Mercedes (Benz) which was being mentioned is really being used by the Palace," he said. "That is the only one that is receipted for by Malacañang. But as you know, when we have visitors, it’s not only presidents who come here but most often ministers, this (Mercedes Benz) is being used."

Zamora denied reports that the 22 luxury cars and SUVs were missing as he had personally inspected them at the PSG motorpool, which is under the direct supervision of his office.

On the other hand, Customs Commissioner Renato Ampil said over radio the other day the vehicles were out for a maintenance drive when they were not found at the motorpool by the person who had reported them missing. – Marichu Villanueva