New cars for 2 Capiz Board Members eyed
ROXAS CITY – The Capiz provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. will purchase new vehicles for two board members, who until now never had the privilege to be given new transportation service, provided there will be funds and corresponding Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) resolution to that effect.
Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera told The News Today (TNT) that the province will purchase new vehicles for the two SP members once there are funds intended for that purpose.
It was learned that Liga ng Mga Barangay President Clemente Firmalino and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Bettina Bayot, ex-officio members of the provincial board, have old vehicles unlike other board members who enjoy air-conditioned luxury vehicles.
In an interview, Firmalino lamented that his and Bayot’s cars are unserviceable because of their dismal condition. “We are like children who should be treated fairly by our father,” Firmalino said.
Firmalino told TNT that Herrera long promised to replace the old vehicles used by him and Bayot, however, it was not realized until now.
On the other hand, Herrera clarified that even Gov. Tanco wanted to replace his service vehicle since it is also an old one and in bad condition but there are no funds yet.
To note, President Arroyo's Administrative Order No. 233 prohibits the use of luxury vehicles by government officials and heads of agencies.
“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.
But Herrera said that the luxury vehicles were acquired by the provincial government during the stint of former Governor and now Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo at low prices.
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, each has one unit; Former Gov. and now City Mayor Vicente Bermejo used Nissan Patrol Safari; Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., Nissan Patrol Safari and Isuzu Trooper.