Abuse of power

Traditional politicians who are drunk from power for winning the election have not run out of scandalous and anomalous practices at this early part of their tenure. This abuse of power runs counter to the ethical standards for government officials and employees.

Take for example, this trapo from a premier city who ordered the recall of a vehicle from a barangay, changed the plate number, and removed the “For Official Use Only” sign including the city tag and logo. The vehicle is parked night-and-day in the house of his relative and used personally by his relatives and supporters. This is clearly a violation of Administrative Order No. 239, series of 2008, prohibiting the use of government vehicles for purposes other than official business, and for other purposes.

Section 2 of the AO states that “The use of government vehicles for private social functions such as receptions, balls, theaters, and for personal purposes is absolutely prohibited. Likewise, use thereof by the spouses, children, relatives, friends, and the like of the officials entitled thereto, even if they are in the company of said officials, is strictly prohibited.” Further, Section 3 states “These motor vehicles shall be used strictly for official business, bear government plates only, and after office hours or during weekends and holidays keep in a garage designated/provided thereof by the bureau or office to avoid their unauthorized use.”

Previously this vehicle is used by the barangay to bring bereaved families to bury their loved ones in the cemeteries. The dead might turn over in their graves to find out that this vehicle is now being used by someone else for personal use.

If President Rodrigo Duterte is serious about his campaign to rid his government of abusive and corrupt officials, he should go after this official who, this early, already let the power go to his head.

Rene F. Antiga

Banilad, Mandaue City