Capiz gov't luxury cars acquired at cheap price
ROXAS CITY – The Capiz provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. is willing to auction all luxury cars used by the provincial government. However, Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera, Jr. said it may paralyze provincial government operations as they don't have any replacement for it yet.
To note Pres. Arroyo's Administrative Order No. 233 prohibits the use luxury cars by government offices.
Herrera said the luxury cars were purchased five years ago during the stint of former Governor Vicente Bermejo, now city mayor, at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as surplus in the amount of more than P300,000 each.
“Maybe these cars were considered luxury cars 15-20 years ago since they are of 1988 model,” Herrera said.
Earlier, it was reported that the Commission on Audit (COA) is keeping an eye on luxury vehicles used by government offices.
The 5-page order obtained by The News Today (TNT) 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.