AT LEAST 12 departments within the Mandaue City Government are in need of vehicles, according to the city’s transition team, as questions continue to swirl around the recent approval of an ordinance donating 15 vehicles to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons.
Incoming City Administrator Sally Malig-on, who is leading the transition under Mayor-elect Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, said several city offices are currently operating with damaged or no vehicles at all, severely affecting their mobility and operations.
"My point is, when we had the transition meeting, we were proven right nga daghan diay og mga opisina sa Mandaue City Hall nga nanginahanglan og sakyanan ug nag-request ang uban gyud og sakyanan. But why the priority? Nganong ari man gyud sa dili kaayo kinahanglan?" said Malig-on.
(My point is, when we had the transition meeting, we were proven right that many offices in Mandaue City Hall do need vehicles, and some even formally requested them. But why was the priority given there? Why to those who don’t really need them as much?)
The ordinance approving the donation of vehicles to the SK chairpersons, one for each of the 15 barangays out of the city’s 27, was passed by the City Council on June 9.
While it formalized a deed of donation and legally transferred ownership of the vehicles, it did not pass without contention.
Members of the opposition in the council expressed concern over the timing and prioritization of the donation.
They cited several departments, including the City Health Office, Market Operations, and the Agriculture Office, which continue to face logistical setbacks due to a lack of transport.
The vehicles, each reportedly worth P1.5 million and acquired by the City in 2024, were already turned over to the SK in November 2024.
Defending the donation, SK officials said the vehicles are critical to supporting youth-driven initiatives, especially in remote barangays where mobility remains a challenge.
However, the incoming administration is calling for a comprehensive review of how government resources are being allocated. (CAV)