Monday, March 31, 2008 Prove your worth, Yulo tells PB members By Karl G. Ombion
AMID growing criticisms on the purchase of brand new and high-end service vehicles by several members of the Provincial Board of Negros Occidental, Vice Governor Emilio Yulo III called on the officials to show proof that they deserve new cars.
Yulo said the legal issue is out of the question since the transaction or the purchase of the so-called "luxury vehicles" were above board and legal. The thing that should be asked is the propriety of the transaction.
"The ultimate test on the proprietary value of the transaction is whether or not the vehicles are put to use by the board members to advance the development and welfare needs of their constituents," he stressed.
"I believe the board members are aware that we are all subject to public scrutiny and the bar of public opinion comes next elections," Yulo said.
Governor Isidro Zayco suggested that concerned board members explain the acquisition of their new service vehicles so the public would know whether they have done it within the bounds of law or not.
"In as far as I am concerned, there is no violation of any law on the part of the late governor and so with my office then as former vice governor in approving the release of the special project allotment of P1.5 million each to the board members," Zayco stressed.
He added there was nothing irregular with the allocation because every year, "we give them regular allotments and part of it is the P1.5 million to serve as their discretionary fund for their development programs."
"That means it is up to them what to do with the fund because they know better what is best for their area and their constituents," Zayco added.
