IT HAS been nearly three weeks since Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said the City Government will no longer pay for the maintenance and registration of vehicles it issued to the police. How is its implementation so far?
Ronald Malacora, head of the Department of General Services (DGS), said he has yet to clarify some details on the matter with the mayor.
“Ako sa siyang istoryahon balik if ato na ba gyud to i-implement kay morag naa pa man silay meeting sa police with mayor, Ma’am Margot (Councilor Margarita Osmeña) and Cons Dave (Councilor Dave Tumulak. Si Madam (Margot) maoy ning istorya nako. The order was issued two weeks ago. Sa pagkakaron wa pa man sad tay police vehicles nga ning break down,” he told reporters.
Earlier this month, Mayor Osmeña said the City will no longer shoulder the expenses for the vehicles it issued to the police unless the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will integrate the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) with the Mobile Patrol Group.
But even though personnel from Swat are now fielded at dawn to augment security, the mayor is still not reconsidering his decision.
DGS’ records show that the City issued at least 50 motorcycles and 40 four-wheel vehicles to CCPO.
The maintenance and registration fee of one four-wheel vehicle amounts to P50,000, while the maintenance and registration fees for a motorcycle range from P5,000 to P10,000. (RTF)