Comelec execs buy 7 new cars worth P8.5 M

The commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have purchased seven additional vehicles worth a total of more than P8.5 million, for their own use.

Documents show that the vehicles purchased were two Nissan Cefiro Elite worth P1.35 million each; four Chevrolet Venture worth P1.167 million each; and a Toyota Hi-Ace Super Grandia worth P1.183 million.

The Nissan Cefiros will be used by Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Commissioner Florentino Tuason Jr.; the Chevrolet Ventures by Commissioners Rufino Javier, Resurreccion Borra, Mehol Sadain and Luzviminda Tancangco; and the Super Grandia by Commissioner Ralph Lantion.

In Resolution No. 4854 dated June 14, five days after Abalos assumed as Comelec chairman, replacing Alfredo Benipayo, the poll officials said it was their "consensus" to purchase additional vehicles for their use.

The resolution though was signed by only six commissioners, with the name or signature of Abalos not appearing on it. Javier was the "acting chairman."

The poll officials authorized the realignment of the commission’s savings for the purchase of the seven vehicles.

Abalos said each commissioner, as a matter of policy, will be assigned only three vehicles, at the most. Excess vehicles will be transferred to the regional offices, he said.