THE Mandaue City Government is planning to return two garbage trucks worth nearly P22 million after questions emerged about their true cost and condition. Officials suspect overpricing and misrepresentation in a deal made under the previous administration.
The trucks turned out to be older models and far more expensive than similar vehicles on the market, according to City Administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on.
This raises concerns about possible anomalies in the transaction and underscores the city’s push for transparency in government spending.
What happened? Malig-on, in an interview with reporters, said the purchase order for the trucks was signed on June 26, 2025. The mayor at that time was Glenn Bercede, who is now the vice mayor.
However, when the new administration reviewed the deal, they found several red flags:
Price issue: Each truck cost P10.99 million, but similar units typically sell for only P3–6 million.
Model year problem: Both trucks were 2017 models, not brand new as expected.
Ownership concern: One truck had already been registered to a private individual before delivery.
Because of these issues, the City, under the new administration of Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, has not fully paid for the vehicles and is holding back formal acceptance.
Why is this significant? Garbage trucks are essential for waste management in fast-growing Mandaue City. But the controversy highlights a larger issue: how public funds are spent. A P21.9 million transaction that may have been overpriced by several million pesos directly affects taxpayers.
Ouano ordered a market check, which confirmed the price discrepancies. The results have fueled suspicion that the City could have been misled or overcharged.
What happens next? The City Government is now:
Coordinating with the supplier to return the trucks.
Reviewing the entire deal to verify if irregularities occurred.
Considering legal or administrative action depending on the findings of the review.
The trucks remain unpaid in full, giving the City leverage as it negotiates their return.
In a memorandum endorsed by Ouano, the City Department of General Services recommended withholding formal acceptance of the trucks until the supplier provides clear explanations and the canvassed prices are verified. / ABC