New vehicle scam bared at DPWH

Question: Is it possible for a vehicle to be in two places at one time?

Answer: If the vehicle in question belongs to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), then, yes, anything is possible.

New corrupt practices have been unveiled at the DPWH, which already saw several of its officials and employees suspended in connection with a scam involving millions in drawn payments for ghost repairs of company vehicles.

This time, sources claimed that one Mitsubishi Pajero, once assigned to the office of former DPWH Secretary Gregorio Vigilar, had been withdrawing gas allowances from both Manila and the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas offices.

The vehicle, with license plates PLA-494, was receiving a regular diesel ration from the DPWH central office in Manila from July to December 2001 although it had been assigned to a Region 4 official as early as November 2000.

One source said the Pajero had been claiming a weekly 84-liter gas supply, including holidays, from the central office although the official never brought the vehicle to Metro Manila during the said period.

"He (official) was of course shocked when he found out since he was already claiming his gas supply from the regional office," the source said.

The anomalous gas disbursements, the source said, have been traced to another DPWH official.