TWO ambulances purchased by the Mandaue City Government in 2021 remain idle at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (CDRRMO) hub due to unresolved registration and ownership transfer issues.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano discovered the unused ambulances during his inspection of the CDRRMO facility on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
“We have 12 ambulances in total, but two are unusable simply because the registration isn’t under the City Government,” Ouano said, expressing concern over the wasted resources. He said greater needs could have been addressed by the funds.
Ouano plans to investigate the original purchase from a private owner in Manila, questioning why the registration remains incomplete despite numerous follow-ups since 2021.
“We need to investigate why these ambulances, which were received in 2021, are still registered under a private owner,” he said.
Marivic Cabigas, head of the Department of General Services (DGS), explained that the supplier hasn’t provided the necessary requirements for the ownership transfer.
She said they can’t deploy the ambulances yet because it’s too risky; but they are working to fast-track the processing of the official receipt/certificate of registration and insurance.
Ouano said the City’s legal team will determine the appropriate action, including potential penalties against those responsible for the delay.
Meanwhile, former city administrator Jamaal James Calipayan refused to comment on the matter.
“I will not comment on this. DGS was responsible for registration,” Calipayan said.
Resolving this requires a fundamental reform of the City’s procurement and asset management processes, said Ouano.
The mayor said a complete review of procedures, enhanced oversight, improved interdepartmental communication, and a commitment to preventing future occurrences are urgently needed. / Zenn Dee Tejero, CNU Intern