Suspend fuel shares to brgys, execs told

EXCEPT for garbage trucks, the Commission on Audit (COA) called on Cebu City Hall to suspend fuel allocations to vehicles assigned to the barangays unless they are regulated.

In their memorandum, state auditors said some barangay vehicles marked “For Official Use Only” are used in beach outings, pilgrimage, reunions, masses and weddings.

They said the city should reevaluate the fuel allowances released to these vehicles.

Auditors said that barangays should charge a fee for the unofficial use of their vehicles to cover fuel consumption and maintenance.

“The city should direct the barangays to limit the use of vehicles and fuel because they are strictly official in nature,” their memo read.

The city government issues 300 to 400 liters of fuel to barangay vehicles.

Mayor Michael Rama was asked to comment on the audit observation within five days from receipt of the memo.

Rama, who left on Wednesday night for an official trip to China trip, could not be reached for comment.

The mayor is expected back in Cebu tonight. Auditors said the barangay vehicles were not covered with a duly accomplished trip ticket.

“There was no system in place to determine whether or not the vehicles were actually used by the private persons or entities reflected in the trip tickets,” the memo said.

Attached to the COA memo was a list of 24 vehicles used on unofficial trips last December and their corresponding fuel consumption. Some of them were used even in the absence of trip tickets.

“The use of government transportation by family and friends is prohibited even in the company of officials,” the memo said.  Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac