Rescue vehicle’s whereabouts questioned

CEBU, Philippines - Where is Talisay City’s P3.5 million rescue vehicle?

This is what members of Talisay City Council want to find out after noting that the vehicle could “rarely be seen” in the premises of the City Hall after office hours or during weekends and holidays.

City Councilor Danny Caballero authored a resolution requesting Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to designate the compound as the official garage of all government vehicles.

The Commission on Audit had earlier questioned the purchase of the same rescue, saying it was overpriced.

COA noted that Talisay City spent an excess of P780,000 and an advance payment of P175,000 for the lifetime warranty for its servicing and parts.

During the council session on Tuesday, City Councilor Dennis Basillote, an ally of De los Reyes, said the city mayor has all the right to park the rescue vehicle in his house for him to use it to respond to any alarm.

But Caballero said there is no law granting the mayor such authority.

City Administrator John Yre De los Reyes, in a text message to The FREEMAN, threw a question to the City Council: “Do they have evidence (to show) that the vehicle mentioned has allegedly been parked at the mayor's house?”

"Again, it is a clear violation of constitutional right," John Yre said.

However, Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante came to the council’s defense, saying it was Basillote who implied that the mayor has all the right to park the vehicle in his residence.

He said Caballero’s resolution did not mention anything to that effect. —(FREEMAN)