CLARK FREEPORT—Clark Development Corp. president Manuel Gaerlan has ordered the recall of seven recently purchased sports utility vehicles issued to seven directors, which the Commission on Audit ordered to be taken back.
In a statement on Tuesday (April 13), Gaerlan said the vehicles, all Isuzu MU-X which cost an average of P2 million each, will be “pooled for the use of the entire organization.”
As for the nine villas ordered by COA to be vacated, he said “a majority of the board members signified intention to lease the houses themselves so they can continue to have a safe place to stay when in Clark.”
Overpayments for the fuel expenses of two directors will be deducted from the next reimbursements, he said, adding that the state-owned firm would comply with Executive Order No. 24-2011 that sets the guidelines for compensation of directors of government corporations.
According to Gaerlan, the COA auditor of CDC enjoyed the same privileges.
Explaining the vehicles, he said “the abnormal times also call for actions that may deviate from set policies but ensure the efficiency and welfare of our officials.”
Denying exorbitant utility expenses, he said these amounted to an average of P5,503 monthly.