Revilla cleared over use of DPWH Pajero

Sen. Ramon Revilla was cleared yesterday of any wrongdoing for having accepted a Mitsubishi Pajero from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Public Works and Highways Secretary Simeon Datumaong said Revilla needs the Pajero to speed up his inspection of various government projects.

"The car was issued in his capacity as chairman of the Senate committee on public works," he said. "I see nothing unusual about that."

However, DPWH insiders told The STAR yesterday Revilla is not yet off the hook.

"It is true that there was no record that Senator Revilla’s car was among those anomalously repaired," insiders said. "But the investigation covers only the year 2001."

Reports said Revilla has been using the Pajero "for as long" as he had been chairman of the Senate committee on public works.

The opposition has called on the Senate ethics committee to investigate Revilla on the ground that his acceptance of the Pajero was "highly inappropriate."

Earlier, The STAR reported that Revilla and four other outsiders had been using vehicles belonging to the DPWH.

Sources identified the others as Agusan del Norte Rep. Edelmiro Amante, who was given an Isuzu Gemini, House Secretary Roberto Nazareno, a Mitsubishi Pajero; and Oscar Mapalo, security aide of a former DPWH secretary, a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Another DPWH vehicle was reportedly assigned to a former Commission on Audit resident auditor at the agency.

Datumanong said the vehicles were assigned to Revilla and the others before he assumed office.

"As far as I know only Senator Revilla and one to the House, to Congressman Amante were issued," he said.

"I do not see anything wrong with two government agencies helping each other working for a common goal. The vehicle was necessary to facilitate the coordination of the legislative department and the DPWH."