Argosy S. Nazareno
HOT VEHICLES
The plan to purchase brand new vehicles for the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is out of necessity for the efficient delivery of public service. However, we are still under the Public Health Emergency and the said vehicles are not ambulances or vehicles intended to be used by the Social Welfare Office, etc. Will we, the taxpayers, grant them a thumbs up?
Bad Timing
The plan to replace the decrepit vehicles of our provincial lawmakers where overdue – as some say. But, any movement of politicians during this time of the pandemic, which involves the usage of precious public funds, will surely catch the attention of the citizenry. Such precious funds are being sought as the saving grace for the pandemic-stricken Boholanos especially those who are displaced and laid off. These people are quick to notice the spending spree on not-so-urgent matters that could have been used to purchase ambulances or given as social amelioration.
Reasons
Some of our lawmakers were irked and dismayed by the public reaction – mostly on social media – particularly Facebook. These statements were recorded in the minutes of their session. If they are concerned about the status of their vehicles, the fact that people’s money is used for the repair and maintenance speaks volumes. Haven’t they thought that most of the workforce from the different government agencies, are using their own motorcycles and cannot be given reimbursements for the gas, wear, and tear, etc., due to COA rules? A lot of employees are riding their motorcycles instead of four-wheeled airconditioned vehicles.
Jokes that are seen as a threat to critics are uncalled for and should be refrained. We should be reminded that this is a democratic country that respects free speech. Criticism should be appreciated and unprofessional rants should be nixed when one cannot take the heat. As lawmakers, they should maintain statements that uphold the rule of law.
To Buy or Not
The question still lingers. The change of tone to give the vehicles to the different departments of the Capitol is still questionable. First, do the different departments feel the urgency to buy those vehicles? Did they request the same? If I were a department head, I would refuse and divert those funds for our displaced workers. Well, that’s just me. Second, why is this so urgent that even a pandemic cannot defray or delay such a purchase? Third, can we buy this after the pandemic? As a model, the Sangguniang Bayan of Loon in the advent of the pandemic redirected the budget intended for the purchase of a 1.8m vehicle and added it to the aid for the displaced workers. The Sangguniang Bayan members are using their own vehicles. Even the 20-year old, secondhand SB vehicle is still being used and well-maintained by the said office.
Public servants, whether regular, contractual or job order, ride our vehicles or motorcycles in the absence of a service vehicle without fear of injury or death. We don’t even have the luxury to buy new tires and do some important maintenance and yet we are doing our best to provide genuine public service. We are still grateful, utilize available resources, and be contented with what we have. Using meager resources in doing public service is part of the sacrifice that we need to endure as public servants. Mo alagad gihapon ta bisan pag magbaktas ta!
So, Boholanos, you have the gavel!