VM defends drivers’ hiring despite adverse COA report

CEBU, Philippines - Despite being questioned by the Commission on Audit, Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante defended the hiring of 12 co-terminus drivers assigned at the Talisay City Council even if they don’t drive government-issued vehicles.

Villarante said the hiring is, in fact, beneficial to the city because it only requires paying the drivers’ salaries instead of actually buying new vehicles.

In 2014, the city spent nearly P660,000 to pay for the drivers’ wages. If city-owned vehicles were purchased, Villarante said the city would have spent at least P15 million.

“We will be seeking clarification from the COA. There are two options here: Either we abolish the item (for drivers) and have the item used for other positions, or we will purchase new government vehicles,” Villarante told reporters.

Government auditors, in a report, ordered the city government to stop the employment of 12 drivers for the 12 members of the City Council to avoid “unnecessary spending and wastage of government funds.”

COA noted that the 12 employees were hired as drivers for the vice mayor and all 11 members of the council “even if there are no motor vehicles assigned to them.”

But Villarante pointed out that the position was created through an ordinance, which was reviewed and approved by the Cebu Provincial Board.

He added that before the ordinance was approved, it was also consulted and conferred with the city’s Human Resources Office.

Hazel Bathan, former HRO chief, defended the council’s hiring, saying the Civil Service Commission duly approved the appointments of the drivers after they complied with the requirements.

Bathan, who is now assigned in another department, was the head of the HRO last year.

“Driver’s ilang position pero multi-tasking. The council’s move was transparent and there was no violation kay all their appointments were validated by the Civil Service Commission. All of the 12 have driver’s license,” Bathan added.

Bathan also denied reports that the drivers are “ghost” employees.

“No ghost employees. You can check all their records at the city HR Department. Nagpanso gihapon na sila hangtod karon,” Bathan said.  — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)