Guimaras execs hit for wanton use of govt vehicles
Ombudsman Iloilo-led “Oplan Red Plate” may have yielded significant results in regulating use of government vehicles. Yet in the Province of Guimaras, wanton disregard for the law and decency apparently has become a bigger concern. Big enough for the “resident ombudsman” here coming from the Guimaras Corruption and Prevention Unit (GCPU).
With accomplishment report presented before top officials of the Office of the Ombudsman, questions were raised on purported disregard to fully implement “Oplan Red Plate.” Particular attention was called on the island’s Land Transportation Office (LTO).
“LTO assigned to Guimaras..they have not found out the rampant use of government vehicles by spouses, children, relatives and friends of the government officials,” the GCPU reported. “The name plate of vehicles of the Vice Mayor of Nueva Valencia and Sangguniang Bayan Member of Jordan still in front of their vehicles.”
The report elicited reactions from the audience most of whom were Oplan Red Plate members.
Meantime, similar anti-graft efforts in Guimaras resulted to filing of complaints against provincial officials including those coming from anonymous sources.
The GCPU caused the filing of complaint against a staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for “red tape” and another against DENR staff Frank Magno.
GCPU also caused the filing of complaint against the municipal treasurer and municipal accountant of the Municipality of Nueva Valencia for unliquidated cash advances.
In the Municipality of Jordan, pending is OMB-V-06-0306-F and OMB-V-A-06-0334-F against collection clerk Ranier Granada for malversation of public funds.
In the Municipality of Sibunag, pending is Request for Assistance (RAS) – V-ILO-08-0554 against a Sangguniang Bayan Member for objecting the designation of one municipal Bids and Awards observer.