SP investigates alleged overpricing of service vehicles in Sto. Tomas town
STO. TOMAS – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has started investigating the alleged irregularities in the purchase of three brand new service vehicles by the local government unit here.
A complaint has been filed by Vice Mayor Matias “Bong” Pineda at the SP and Office of the Ombudsman against Mayor Gloria “Ninang” Ronquillo, Municipal Treasurer Regina Carreon, Municipal Accountant Nympha Lacsina, local Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) head Gilbert Cruz, BAC Secretary Eliza Quiambao, Bidder’s Representative of JAC Automobile Rowell Benitez for the alleged overpricing of the three service vehicles.
Based on the complaint, the ambulance was purchased by the local government for P3,495,000; the fire truck for P4,995,000; and the mini dump truck for P3,995,000.
Pineda also disclosed that Ronquillo did not secure a resolution from the Sangguniang Bayan authorizing her to purchase the said service vehicles.
On January 13, members of the SP led by Committee on Justice, Good Governance and Accountability Chairman Board Member Benny Jocson , co-chairman BM Jun Canlas and member BM Nelson Calara personally inspected the service vehicles.
“In-inspect lang namin itong mga nabili nilang mga sasakyan at okay naman ang pagka-andar, iyong features at mechanism. Sinubukan din iyong fire truck, okay din naman. Nagamit na rin pala ng Bureau of Fire protection,” Jocson said.
He added that they will create a report on the result of the inspection which will be tackled by the committee during the regular session.
The board member, however, declined to provide further information on the case since it is still ongoing.
“Mahaba pang proseso ito at itong inspection ay parte lang ng procedure at based on our internal rules, hindi na muna kami makakapagcomment pa,” Jocson said.
Meanwhile, Ronquillo declined to comment on the matter as the case is ongoing, but assured that she will cooperate in the investigation. She, however, stressed that the vehicles are needed by the municipality, particularly the firetruck which has already been used twice to respond to fire incidents in town.
