Colleagues sue Andales over “double” benefits

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan is now facing administrative complaints before the Office of the President for allegedly accepting city-issued vehicles and transportation allowance at the same time.

In a September 27 complaint, eight Barug Team Rama councilors lodged dishonesty, grave abuse of authority and grave misconduct complaints against Andales.

The councilors are Jocelyn Pesquera, Jose Daluz III, Eduardo Rama, James Anthony Cuenco, Philip Zafra, Raymond Alvin Garcia, Joel Garganera, Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., and newly-appointed Renato Osmeña Jr.

The complainants cited a November 27, 1992 Supreme Court ruling in Bustamante vs. Commission on Audit and Caburian stating that no government official who is already receiving a transportation allowance from the government shall receive or use a motor vehicle from the office.

"No official which has been furnished motor transportation allowance by any government corporations or other office shall be allowed to use motor vehicle transportation operated and maintained from funds appropriated in abovecited decree. Section 14 of Presidential Decree 733,” read the ruling.

The councilors said Andales allegedly accepted transportation allowance amounting to P8,500 per month.

They also said that the city issued Andales a Toyota Fortuner with license plate SKN 676 on July 13, 2016.

The councilors alleged that Andales received the city-owned vehicle despite knowing that he was having a monthly transportation allowance.

The councilors asked the Office of the President to impose the maximum preventive suspension on Andales immediately.

In an interview, Andales told The FREEMAN that he will not stay focused on  doing his job despite what the opposition councilors alleged against him.

"I will not be distracted by their forthcoming administrative complaint. Meanwhile, I will focus on my work as city councilor and will continue to pass ordinances, resolutions, and committee reports," he said.  (FREEMAN)