Town councilor denies using government dump truck for political purposes

CEBU, Philippines - Compostela town Councilor Tessa Paradiang-Cang is insisting she did not use a Cebu City government mini-dump truck, which figured in a vehicular accident, for personal and political gains.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Cang said the Mini Fuso was to deliver a dismantled boxing ring to barangay Tamiao, Compostela for a boxing promotion there.

Cang said she received a formal communication from Cebu City Councilor Yayoy Alcoseba, who heads the Cebu City sports commission, telling her about the upcoming boxing event in her town.

According to Cang, the project was initiated by the Nagkahiusang Cabadiangan, which she is currently the president. The organization itself paid for the hosting of the event, she said.

“Wala ma’y gasto ang Cebu City government. In fact, the organization paid for the event,” Cang said.

The Cebu City’s Sports Commission policy stipulates that a boxing ring or any sports equipment can be transported to any place in the region or the city or town where a fight will be held.

Last Thursday night, the Fuso truck driven by Apolinario Bataclan Jr. crashed into a parked motorcycle and a fence along the provincial road of Compostela.

Bataclan was reportedly under the influence of liquor at that time.Cang said she was not on the truck but was instead in her own vehicle.

According to Cang, she had told the driver not to drive after learning that Bataclan was drunk even before the event was finished.

“Ako gyud giingnan nga dili pa-drive kay hubog ra ba, basin unya madisgrasya. Sa iyang pagtuman sa gusto, mi-drive man hinuon,” Cang said.

Furthermore, Cang also denied reports she was drunk when the accident happened.

Cang said she went to the police station to report the incident.  (FREEMAN NEWS)