By Ric Obedencio | 07:39 PM September 03, 2022
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol is set to purchase 14 brand new vehicles to the tune of P23,996,000,00 to replace their existing dilapidated service cars, most of which are said to be unserviceable already after they’re acquired over ten years ago.
Thirteen vehicles are for 13 SP members and one for the vice-governor’s use. SP is composed of regular ten members representing the three districts and one each for the federated Sangguniang Kabataan president, Philippine Councilors League of the Philippines-Bohol chapter and Liga ng mga Barangay president.
Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, who presides over the 13-member board, said the purchase of vehicles for the use of the members of SP, including himself, is timely and relevant.
“Timely run tungod kay para sa safety kini sa atong mga board member ug kanako kay ang atong mga sakyanan nga gigamit karaan na,” Balite said.
“Kung ganahan ang katawhan ug mga troll nga mubalik ta sa binaktasay, wala koy problema,” said Balite in case some sector would disgree
Veteran lawmaker Atty. Tomas D. Abapo, Jr. told Capitol Reports, a weekly provincial government press conference, that it is necessary though it’s not mandated to acquire new vehicles for the provincial officials.
The purchase of the vehicles was already approved in previous administration but was halted due to public outcry while the pandemic hit hard the province in past two years.
He said that compared to the P215 million heavy equipment for the Provincial engineer’s Office (PEO) thru a loan, the acquisition of the new vehicles underwent a rigid process of bidding.
He said that the fleet of road graders, rollers, payloaders, dump trucks and others was acquired and delivered by the supplier during past administration but the Aumentado dispensation cannot yet use them since they still under scrutiny for lack of documentary support.
“We would like to disabuse the minds of the people,” he said, referring to enlightening the public mind of the necessity for the provincial board members and the vice-governor to purchase the vehicles.
He explained that the lawmakers like him cannot just sit in his office since he/she has a mandate to visit and attend to the barangays of his/her jurisdiction. The SP need to go around and get first-hand information or conduct investigation in aid of legislation.
Choice of Model
Abapo apparently echoed the sentiment of Balite, who was interviewed by media earlier of the last week, over the vehicle acquisition.
Balite also said that even the General Services Office (PGSO) of Bohol has already endorsed he said acquisition of the vehicles citing the same ground that they’re already no road worthy.
He said it’s about time for the SP to acquire the new vehicles for them to be efficient and effective in the duties and functions since the Bohol is already under level one in the pandemic protocols. Unlike the past two years that Bohol strictly enforced lockdowns and other protocol/restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 in the province.
Balite told media interview that to clear things up he threw the decision to the body (SP) and almost all of them agreed to push for the vehicle acquisition.
The board members made preference as to the model and color “by way of indicating your choice in the matrix” which majority signed it.
But Abapo warned that those BMs who may be wanted to have new vehicle but when new vehicles are purchased and refuse to use them it may mean they’re just for “epal.”
BMs Vierna Mae Boniel Maglasang, Nathaniel Binlod and Christian Victor Bolos III, who did not sign the matrix. They’re said to be in the opposite fence since they’re identified with the past administration.
But their companions, like BMS Dr. Elpidio Bonita, Venzencio Arcamo signed he matrix and preferred Nissan Navarra 4X4 VL model while Aldner Damalerio signed the matrix and preferred to have “status quo.”
BMs Lucille Lagunay, Abapo, Atty. Jiselle Rae A. Villamor have chosen Nisaan Navarra 4X4 VL, while Tita V. Baja, Greg Crispinito M. Jala, Dr. Romuo Cepedoza and Gloria B. Gementiza have chosen Nissan Navarra 4X4 VL MT model.
Support
BM Villamor, one of the resource persons of Capitol Reports said that they (BMS) agreed as collegial body.
She bats for the brand new service vehicles acquisition to go through the legal process.
When asked if she is for the acquisition of the new vehicles, Lagunay, also one of the resource persons, hastened to say, “I’ll abide by the decision of the majority.”
She explained that it is better for the provincial government to purchase new vehicles than maintaining which cost the province a huge expense for repair.
She cited six of the dilapidated vehicles cost 100% expensive in repair and the rest cost some P600,000 also for repair or cost more than the acquisition cost.
Atty. Anino, chief of staff of the vice-governor’s office, was also the guest of the Capitol Reports held on Friday morning live over three radio stations and livestream on facebook.
Other Choices/Prices
Balite explained that not only the Nissan but also other brands that could fit in the specifications of the vehicles pick-up type.
The choices include: Nissan Navarra 4X4 VL MTwith a tag price of Php1,661,000.00; Navarra 4X4 VE MT, Php1,461,000.00; Mitsubishi Strada GLS 4X4 MT 2023, Php1,582,000.00; and Strada GL 4×4 MT 2022, Php1,265,000.00 apiece.
Isuzu DMAX 3.OL LS-A 4×4 MT priced at Php1,709,110.00; DMAX 3.0l LT 4×4 MT base model, Php1,405,110.00; Toyota HiLUX 2.4 4X4 J MT, Php1,182,000.00; and Ford Ranger with n price given but “to follow.”
Based on the Purchase request (PR) dated May 27, 2021, the specifications are as follows: Bradn new four-wheel drive pick-up type with engine displacement not exceeding 3,000 cc; diesel fueled; four-cylinders type; 6-speed transmission type; power steering; and 16-18-inch wheel size.
Some of the terms under the PR ae the three-year registration, free one year GSIS comprehensive insurance, two-year warranty or 100,000kms or whichever comes first, original red plate number shall be provided upon delivery.
Place of delivery shall be New Provincial Capitol, Capitol site, Tagbilaan City, delivery period 30 calendar days upon receipt of NTP, and mode of procurement – public bidding.
