LTO seeks probe on “illegal” use of city-issued vehicles

CEBU, Philippines -  The Land Transportation Office has asked the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to investigate some officials and employees of the Cebu City Hall over the alleged illegal use of city-issued vehicles.

“May we refer to your good office for investigation, the abuse of authority, graft and corruption and the conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service of some of the officials and/or employees of the Cebu City government, in illegally using the vehicle not for official purpose but for personal gain and interest,” read the one-page complaint of LTO-7 regional director Arnel Tancinco.

 In a September 16 letter-complaint, Tancinco said a government utility vehicle was seen with a big tarpaulin, covering almost the left side of the vehicle, bearing Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo’s photo and his videoke challenge program.

 A photo of which, together with other pertinent documents, are attached to the complaint.

 Based on the LTO document, the vehicle with plate number SKV333 is registered under Barangay Pahina San Nicolas.

 According to Tancinco, such act was a clear violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or anti-graft and corrupt practices act, RA 9485 or anti-red tape act, and RA 6713 or code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

 He stressed that government officials and employees must uphold and promote “integrity, proper management of public property” to prevent graft and corruption in government service.

 “All government officials and employees shall be responsible in using government property, particularly in the proper use of government -owned vehicles. Unfortunately, government owned vehicles were used by some of our officials and/or employees, for personal gain and interest and not for official purpose,” he added.

 The anti-graft body earlier warned public officials not to use government-owned vehicles for personal use or else will face charges.

 The body said government officials and workers who have utilized their service vehicles for personal use and have no duly-issued trip tickets will be held liable under pertinent laws, circulars and executive issuances.

 Sought for comment, Carillo admitted that he lends his videoke equipment and sound system to any barangay in the city.

 “I admit that it is my own sound system, but dili na akong city-issued vehicle. Sa barangay na. dili akoa,” he said.

 Carillo said he will answer the complaint if it is addressed to him.

 “Ang barangay mo-huwam sa akong karaoke equipment. Siyempre, inig abot didto, ilang ibutang akong tarp in due recognition nga nakahuwam pod intawn sila. That is an activity sa barangay. That is still an official business,” he said.

 He asked LTO to prove if the move has indeed violated the Anti Red Tape Act, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and on the Code of Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees in the government.

 “Violate sa red tape? Let them prove it. But, activity na sa barangay. Ilang hulaman nako is the karaoke equipment, mga disco nila. Ilang i-hang akong tarpaulin. Serbisyo raman na,” he said.

 He believes that the move of LTO is politically motivated since the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan party has posted in its Facebook Accounts the same allegation against him. —/ATO (FREEMAN)