Dizon sets example on gov’t vehicle use

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon has set an example for other elected officials seeking reelection by not using his government-issued vehicle after office hours.

Although the duties of a councilor does not end after 5 p.m., Dizon decided to leave his vehicle behind to avoid speculations that he is using it  to advance his personal interest.

According to Dizon, he had bought a personal vehicle few months ago, leaving his service car at his assigned parking area at the City Hall.

Even before he bought his own car, Dizon said he is not using the government vehicle other than official functions. According to him, his driver will just bring him home in Barangay Banilad after office hours and take the car with him.

“Mauwaw man gud ta sa mga tawo nga gamit-gamiton nato ang sakyanan sa kagamhanan sa personal interest (I am ashamed to use the government vehicle for personal interest),” Dizon said.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has an existing policy that government vehicles shall not be used for personal interest, particularly after office hours.

Despite the policy, some public officials are using government vehicles for personal purposes.

In fact, some even covered the license plate with dark glasses to hide from public scrutiny.

Some city officials who are seeking reelection are using their government-issued vehicles in their nightly political activity.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama however defended his use of a government car in his nightly pulong-pulong, saying that this is still part of public service. —/FPL (FREEMAN)