COA keeps eye on luxury cars used by Capiz LGU
ROXAS CITY – The Commission on Audit (COA) may dispose 15 luxury cars used by the Local Government Units (LGU) following an Administrative Order No. 233 dated August 1 last year entitled “Reiterating the prohibition on the acquisition and use of luxury vehicles and directing revisions of guidelines on government motor vehicles acquisition.”
In a 5-page order obtained by The News Today (TNT) which was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo it stated that all government offices, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, Government Financial Institutions, State Universities and Colleges and Local Government Units, are hereby prohibited from acquiring and/or using luxury vehicles for their operations.
“The government should set aside and provide example in the efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuels and to foster energy-self reliance by promoting the use of alternative fuels,” the order stated.
Based on the inventory of the Province of Capiz, Isuzu Trooper, which was among the prohibited luxury vehicles, are used by the Provincial Engineer’s Office, 3 units; Sylvia de la Cruz, one unit; Board Members: Raymund Locsin, Fritz Cruz Am, Rommel Lastimoso, Alfonso Bediones, Victor Tanco, Jr,; Esteban Contreras, Ricky Martin and Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera, all have one unit; Former Gov. and now City Mayor Vicente Bermejo who used Nissan Patrol Safari; Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., Nissan Patrol Safari and Isuzu Trooper.
It was learned that the luxury cars were purchased during the stint of Bermejo as governor several years ago.
Meanwhile, concerned users of the said prohibited luxury cars were not reached for comments as of press time.