‘Iron Lady’ laments city’s vehicle deal

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

The “Iron Lady” of the Iloilo City Council on Friday called out the current city leadership buying new pick-up trucks that were later assigned to several city councilors.

The issue took root from reports that Mayor Jerry Treñas turned over new Mitsubishi Strada units to all 13 members of the City Council. The vehicles were bought using funds for the capital outlay of the City Mayor’s Office.

The capital outlay is part of appropriated budget which refers to the allocations for equipment, supplies, and facilities.

The Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of the trucks are from P815,000 to P1.76 million, depending on the model.

Only three councilors publicly rejected the new vehicles – Mandrie Malabor, Candice Tupas, and Eduardo Peñaredondo.

The pick-up truck acquisition raised criticism from some quarters saying it was unnecessary amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

It also ruffled feathers of critics and former officials, saying that incumbent officials can use personal vehicles which are supported by their Representation and Transportation Allowances for fuel and other travel-related expenses.

Former city councilor Dr. Perla Zulueta told Daily Guardian on Air Friday that while she was initially unfamiliar with the said transaction, she called the transaction a “contest of cars”.

She recalled how the current administration returned the vehicles bought by former Mayor Jose Espinosa III due to certain questions on the transaction.

“I did not know that it would end that way, that all councilors would be given vehicles. I thought, ‘What was it for?’ For me, having vehicles would be okay if it would be your own expense, but it’s different when it’s on another’s expense, then you would gain that advantage,” Zulueta said.

Zulueta questioned the necessity and practicality of the purchase and even wondered why only three councilors refused the trucks.

“There’s no question of mobility, the word is there, but the thing is, does it say that everyone should be freely given these vehicles? I’m really not comfortable that they are each given these vehicles using the people’s money. If you are a true politician, you shouldn’t accept these. I don’t think it will give you pride or honor,” she said.

She also nixed the idea of throwing her hat into next year’s polls, citing her old age and the money needed for campaigning.

During her 19 years in service, Zulueta was known for her sharp wit, earning her the moniker “Iron Lady” of the city council.

“I’ll be too old by then (2021 election), I’ll be 76. But also, right now, when you become a candidate, you need capital, which is to be reimbursed after winning that even before taking office, you already look into which project will give you that benefit,” she said.