Tabuk City, Kalinga – In a letter addressed to the City Vice Mayor Bernard Dao-as and the Sanggunian Panlungsod, the Kalinga Apayao Religious Sector questioned the wisdom, purpose, and legality of the impending purchase of 14 short firearms by the City Local Government Unit.
“This move of the City LGU is highly alarming to the public causing distress as shown in social media discourse, especially the public bidding documents and a document from the General Services Office show that the procurement was requested by the Mayor’s Office for the purpose of giving the guns to government officials and security personnel,” they wrote.
The letter further inquired from the August body if the act is legally allowed with the use of taxpayer’s money, the source of the funding, and as to who are these government officials and security personnel which shall use the guns and if they are qualified.
Moreover, KARSA appeals for the Sanggunian Panlungsod to exercise their check and balance power to protect the public’s interest and their safety especially in this time of pandemic and socio-economic difficulties.
“It is disturbing to note that government officials are to be given guns when their function is not to shoot guns but to fulfill their duties and responsibilities as stated in the local government code,” the letter said.
Meanwhile, during the SP session this December 14, the letter was referred by the SP members to the Committee on Ethics and that it shall be tackled again on January 18, 2021 with representatives from KARSA and the Mayor’s office.
In an interview with Bishop Renato Abibico, he said they wouldn’t mind if these officials buy as many guns as they want using their personal money. The main contention here, he said, is why use the tax of the people to give it to government officials.
He explained that the security reason as defense for buying guns does follow good logic since the PNP is just within the compound of the City Hall.
In the documents from the GSO and the bidding information, it showed that the Mayor’s office was the one who requested for the 14 guns and their justification for buying is to give it to security personnel and government officials for security.
Abibico said it is the duty of all citizens to question the decisions of the officials especially on expenditures because it is their money (taxes) being used.
Tabuk City Council's comment on the letter
During the SP session on Monday, the council decided to refer the matter to the ethics committee. Additionally, they said it would be better to request the presence of the mayor's Office and KARSA in January when the SP resumes regular sessions to have this matter cleared.
Councilor Zorayda Wacnang asked the body regarding the opinion of the council saying "is it not also our duty to ask questions?"
The members said they shall also prepare their questions when the schedule has been determined.
.png)
Comments