Lawmaker seeks to punish misuse of ambulances

A lawmaker has filed a bill at the House of Representatives seeking to punish government employees found using government ambulances for non-medical purposes.

Under the bill of Cebu Rep. Nerissa Corazon Soon-Ruiz, state workers would be suspended for 30 days without pay for the first offense.

A violation for the second time would entail a six-month suspension without pay.

A third offense would lead to termination from service, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from public service. Soon-Ruiz said government ambulances are often misused.

“There are instances that these vehicles are used for purposes other than that intended for their acquisition,” she said.

“Denial of their usage by patients requiring immediate medical attention for whatever reason is much more deplorable and contrary to law and public policy and hence must be penalized.”

Soon-Ruiz said government ambulances are sometimes seen in recreation areas and places other than hospitals.

“Worse, there are instances that fees are collected for their use or their use is refused for political considerations or other reasons that defeat the very purpose of their acquisition,” she said.

The use of government ambulances other than their intended purpose may be allowed under the bill in non-emergency cases such as medical outreach missions and other related hospital operations, Soon-Ruiz said. — Delon Porcalla