COA hits BFP over P2-M vehicle repair tools

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has purchased P2 million worth of tools for the repair and maintenance of its vehicles in 2011 without establishing a motor pool.

The Commission on Audit (COA) yesterday said the equipment remained unused, resulting in waste of government funds.

Based on a COA report released recently, the BFP approved the acquisition of motor pool machinery and equipment to maintain its service vehicles in good running condition instead of having them repaired by private contractors.

The items were purchased in 2011 through negotiated procurement due to a failure of bidding.

“The handy motor pool tools were kept by the chief, engineering and motor vehicle section for safekeeping while the machine and equipment were only kept at the BFP store room,” the COA report said.

“The boxes of these equipment remained unopened because BFP does not have an area to construct the motor pool and the absence of well-trained personnel who will use the tools for the repairs and maintenance services, thereby exposing these equipments to deterioration and the risk of wastage of government funds,” it added.

State auditors said BFP officials should have first prioritized the establishment of the motor pool site, which could house several fire trucks before buying the machines and equipment.