Soc rejects stolen car yarn

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez yesterday denied that his service Kia Sportage is a stolen vehicle.

“No, dili kay pagpalit ana kumpleto man ang dokumento. Naay C.R (certificate of registration), naay tag-iya, naay deed of sale.

Strikto biya na atong accountant ug GSO. All are in order with them,” Fernandez said when asked if rumors were true that his Kia Sportage (JCV 768) service is a stolen vehicle.

Fernandez’s explanation came after claims were made that the vehicle was acquired through dubious means, the reason why the city has reportedly failed to have its registration renewed.

According to the records of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the said car was owned by Rosalie Flores with an address in barangay Bulacao, Talisay City.

The vehicle’s deed of sale was dated September 15, 2009, also the same date it was last registered as per LTO record.

In September 2010, a certain Rosalie Flores who claimed a shoulder bag which was found inside the government-owned Toyota Revo (SGH 541) when it was placed under the custody of the Pardo police after its driver Benedict Gabasa, a friend of the mayor’s son Joavan, without a license.

The government vehicle was then Fernandez’s service car.

Fernandez said he could no longer recall when he started using the Sportage but it was only when the Revo was sent to the motorpool for repair.

He however said that sometime last year, he had stopped using the Sportage as his old service vehicle was already functional.

“Nakagamit lang ako ana (Sportage) katong nadaut akong service (Revo),” the mayor said.

GSO’s Asaria Cañal said the car’s key was already turned over to them. But as to when exactly, she said she could not remember as the one in charge of the government vehicles was out of office that day.

Fernandez also denied he was part and partial of the purchase of the vehicle.

“Wa ko mangahente ana,” he said.  (FREEMAN)