CEBU, Philippines - The lack of vehicles for the Association of Barangay Councils in Lapu-Lapu City is hampering the operations of the council in addressing the needs of the barangays, City Councilor Francisco Senerpida said.
Association of Barangay Councils President Jose Dungog confirmed the problem during the regular session of the City Council recently.
Senerpida claimed that while the office of Dungog encountered the problem, but he was informed that there is a vehicle issued to the office of the Association of Barangay Councils.
Senerpida said that the vehicle is not properly returned to the office of the Association of Barangay Councils headed by Dungog. This prompted the City Council to invite personnel from the General Services Office.
A worker from the General Services Office confirmed there is a vehicle issued to the ABC but when documents were showed to the City Council, the vehicle's memorandum receipt was issued to an employee named Ben Torres.
Torres was the driver assigned for ABC office during the incumbency of former ABC president Leo Mercado.
Mercado's term as ABC president ended last June 30, 2013. He was elected as regular member of the City Council last May 2013 elections.
But it was learned that Mercado continued using the vehicle even if he has now been a regular member of the City Council and not anymore connected with ABC.
Dungog confirmed to The FREEMAN that Mercado failed to return the vehicle to ABC office.
Since the memorandum receipt of the vehicle assigned to ABC was signed by Torres and not Mercado, the latter was able to collect his Representation and Transportation Allowance. Every City Council member collects at least P15,000 in RATA per month.
Mercado was not available for interview when The FREEMAN visited City Hall. (FREEMAN)