Gingoyon agrees to return Capitol vehicle

FORMER Capitol Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon has reportedly agreed to return the service vehicle issued by the provincial provincial government to him.

But Eva Encabo, head of the province’s general services office (PGSO) said neither Gingoyon nor his representative returned the Kia Carens, a compact vehicle multi-purpose vehicle.

“I’ve talked to some people who are friends of Mr. Gingoyon. They said he will return the unit but it is not with us yet. The vehicle must be brought here inside the Capitol compound,” she told reporters.

Gingoyon, she said was convinced by his former colleagues in the provincial government who were also dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct charges for their participation in the Balili property scam.

“A lot of people advised him to return it. He’s not using it anymore because he does not have a job,” she said.

Gingoyon’s replacement, Danilo Rodas was issued a P17,000 representation and transportation allowance (RATA) because the provincial government unable to issue him a service vehicle.

Earlier, Gingoyon said the PGSO has no authority to recall the vehicle because of his pending motion for reconsideration of the dismissal.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales dismissed Gingoyon together with Capitol officials Roy Salubre and Eulogio Pelayre from service last January 25.

They and former Cebu governor now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district are charged in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of the Balili property, a 24-hectare property bought for P98 million in 2008. It turned out later on that the property is mostly underwater and classified as coastal timberland. /Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos