Negros Or LGU takes back vehicle assigned to PB member

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A vehicle assigned to a member of the Provincial Board of Negros Oriental was recovered by the provincial government while parked at the side of the road in Barangay Daro, this city, yesterday afternoon.

The act of the Capitol was done after repeated demands by the governor to surrender the vehicle were allegedly ignored by PB Member Mellimoore Saycon of the 2nd district.

Under the supervision of Provincial Attorney and Provincial Administrator Richard Inojo, the white Mitsubishi Strada was towed by a prime mover back to the Capitol motorpool. Saycon was not around as he reportedly refused to come despite requests for him to be on the site.

The vehicle, already has a blue plate number CR5 927, although its original plate number was SJZ 301, It has  engine no. 4D56UCCKK4068, chassis No. MMBJNKB40BDO27781 and was registered in the name of the Province of Negros Oriental.

During a plain view search conducted by the City Police, as witnessed by the media and the SWAT members, the original red plate number SJZ 301 was found placed under the driver’s seat, while another plate, marked with MAFIA, was also recovered.

Authorities, to conduct an inventory of things inside the vehicle, had to force the windows open because the keys were with Saycon.

Inojo said the vehicle’s registration has expired as early as May 2011, and that the province had requested Saycon to surrender the vehicle for the renewal of its registration, but this was allegedly ignored by the PB member.

Last August 7, Governor Roel Degamo ordered Wilfredo Lazaro, in-charge of the vehicles of the Capitol, for the recovery of the vehicle so it can be registered.

Saycon, when flagged down weeks ago, reportedly agreed to the Highway Patrol Group to deliver the vehicle to the Land Transportation Office for proper disposition, but then he allegedly spirited the vehicle away.

Inojo said he will not recommend to the governor the return of the vehicle to Saycon because the latter has no more authority over it because his alleged refusal to cooperate waived him such right.

“An elected public official shall be a role model and not drive a vehicle with expired registration,” said Inojo, adding that another vehicle assigned to a PB member of the 3rd district was also being processed for registration.

Saycon has yet to issue a statement to present his side of the matter. Efforts by The Freeman to get his side have failed, as of yesterday. (FREEMAN)