Governor probe government vehicle with LP campaign items

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is looking into the report about a government vehicle allegedly being utilized for the transport of the Liberal Party’s campaign materials, which photo draws flak in social media.

“We do not tolerate that, using government vehicles aron pamutang og posters. Bisan pa og kauban sa partido,” he told reporters during a press conference yesterday.

He said he only uses Capitol-issued vehicles on official business, like going out-of-town to implement his programs or activities.

“In fact, I do not use government vehicles when I go out campaigning. I have to use my personal (car). Kun manimba mi ni Jobel (his wife), di man mi mogamit og official nga sakyanan,” the governor said.

Davide is the provincial chairman of the ruling LP.

The photo showed a black Toyota Hilux with five men and loaded with posters printed with the LP’s slogan “Daang Matuwid”. What can also be noticed is that the pickup bears a red license plate (SKD 417).

The photo was uploaded by “Cebu Flash Report” page, but the place where it was photographed and what agency the vehicle belongs were still unknown.

Some netizens commented and claimed that the vehicle was seen at the Capitol.

But the Cebu Provincial General Services Office denied the allegation, saying Capitol has no vehicle with such a plate number.

Jone Sepe, officer-in-charge of the PGSO, said that all the Toyota Hilux vehicles owned by the Capitol have “8” as the last digit of their plate numbers, except that issued to Davide whose last digit ends is “1”.

Davide is not discounting the possibility that the photo was made to incriminate his party. He, however, did not point out any political groups or individuals.

“Ayaw lang gyud mi butang-butangi. Marukoy man nang mga tawhana. They are capable of anything—pamakak, pang-imbento’g istorya, mao man na ila. Kabalo man gud sila nga layo kaayo sila sa survey,” he said.

Use of public funds and government-owned equipment and facilities for any election campaign or for any partisan political activity are prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.

Meanwhile, Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Clifford Gairanod warned his men against engaging in security services during the election period without being authorized to do so.

In fact, he said, he even recalled all police bodyguards before the onset of the election period last January 9.

“I recalled all the security escorts of the LGUs (local government units) para aware sila na bawal na,” he told reporters after the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting at the Capitol yesterday.

He, however, said they can still provide security details subject to Commission on Elections approval.

 He said, though, that he has not received any information yet on unauthorized utilization of police as security personnel of candidates in the May elections. (FREEMAN)