Ombuds warns anew on the use of gov't vehicles

CEBU, Philippines - The anti-graft office is set to look into the alleged used of the government vehicle of Barangay Day-as, Cebu City by a private person.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol has reiterated that "government service vehicle is strictly for official use only."

Apostol told the media that the Office of the Ombudsman has no jurisdiction over private person except when he connives with a government official.

He said if the government issued vehicle was used by a private person, the official who allowed the used of it is the one liable.

"It is malversation if you allowed somebody to appropriate or mis-appropriate a government property or money," he added.

Roberto Espina  earlier filed a complaint against Rey Elery Cañada, former barangay captain of Day-as, and first councilor Marilyn Bernal for malversation of public property and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

He alleged that the Toyota Hilux Pick-up bearing plate no. SKV-439 was still being used by Cañada even if it was already assigned to Bernal by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama on Nov. 29, 2013.

Cañada denied the allegations saying that the car was just parked near his residence because Bernal, his neighbor, has no parking space in her residence.

City Hall General Services Office chief, Dionisio Gualiza, said they no longer have any liability on the vehicle after it was turned over to the barangay.

"If i-trace diay nato ang vehicle unya siya ang nag-drive, kami pa'y maka-explain. So that is not our liability anymore. Ang gi-release-an sa vehicle mao na'y accountable," explained Gualiza.

Day-as barangay captain Jerome Puerto recently wrote the City Council asking assistance regarding the vehicle which the former administration allegedly did not return.

Gualiza said he checked on the matter and learned that Bernal is using the vehicle.  (FREEMAN)