City set to dispose 179 service vehicles

CEBU, Philippines - At least 179 old service vehicles of the Cebu City Government are set to be disposed to lessen maintenance expenses.

However, the City Council is bothered that the services might be hampered if all these vehicles are disposed.

The said vehicles have a life span of seven years and above as of this year's first quarter based on the record of the property management division-registration/insurance section.

Transportation equipment particularly motor vehicles are serviceable only for seven years under the Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2003-007 dated December 11, 2003.

Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos said the disposal might cause repercussions.

"This is setting a serious repercussion because I'm scared that the services of the city might be hampered, unless the city will buy another one," she said.

Councilor Hanz Abella agreed with Delos Santos, saying that no more vehicles may be left for the city.

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, who authored the proposal said government vehicles seven years and above are to be disposed because keeping those would only entail "high cost" to the city government for repair and maintenance.

He said that these service vehicles are dilapidated, in poor running condition, unserviceable and/or beyond repair.

The General Services Office (GSO) is tasked to conduct a thorough study as to proper disposal of the vehicles.

The GSO will take charge of the supply and property management, enforcement of policies for records creation, maintenance and disposal.

"Let GSO study the ordinance (disposal of vehicles), implement the same and submit recommendation to the City Council because we need to upgrade our vehicles," said Councilor Gerardo Carillo.  (FREEMAN)