Day-as ex-village chief sued for using gov’t vehicle

CEBU, Philippines - The former barangay captain of Day-as, Cebu City was sued before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for his alleged continued use of a government-owned service vehicle intended for the barangay.

Roberto Espina, a resident of barangay Day-as, assisted by lawyer Julius Ceasar Entise, filed a complaint for malversation of public property and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act against Rey Elery Cañada.

Aside from Cañada, Espina also filed the same complaint against first councilor Marilyn Bernal.

In his affidavit, Espina alleged that on Nov. 29, 2013, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama assigned the Toyota Hilux Pick-up with plate no. SKV-439 formerly assigned to Cañada to Bernal.

However, since the aforementioned date, Espina alleged that Bernal “never possessed and/or used” it. Instead, it was being used by Cañada.

“That I know as a matter of fact that the Toyota Hilux Pick-up, bearing plate no. SKV-439, is being used by the former barangay captain, respondent Rey Elery Cañada, even up to now that he is no longer a public official or employee,” he said adding that the vehicle was in fact parked at the vicinity of the residence of the latter.

Espina said that Bernal could also be held liable administratively for gross neglect in the performance of duty or gross dereliction of duty and gross misconduct.

Barangay Captain Jerome Puerto confirmed the vehicle was indeed used by Cañada.

“I already informed the mayor as to the matter,” he said.

Cañada admitted that the vehicle was parked within their vicinity because there is no parking space in the residence of Bernal. He added this is with the consent and approval of Bernal.

“The vehicle was entrusted to Bernal because the mayor has trust and confidence in her,” he said. Bernal is an ally of team Rama.

Cañada said that on December 1, 2013, the vehicle  was turned-over to Puerto, who did not accept it.

Instead, the vehicle was turned over by the city government  to Bernal.

He sees no discrepancy in the Acknowledgment Receipt for Equipment when Bernal received the vehicle on Nov. 29, 2013 while the Government Services Office (GSO) headed by Engineer Rolando Ardosa received it on Dec. 3, 2013.

“Una nga mopirma ang recipient ug ang nag-turn-over. Ang last ang city government,” he added.

Cañada denied using the vehicle for personal purposes but he admitted using it last Jan. 10 because he was going to turn over the patrol car to the GSO. — (FREEMAN)