The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday, July 12, defended the bullet-proof sports utility vehicle (SUV) flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).
PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo explained that the acquisition of the vehicle used the rebates from Petron Corporation.
"Ito ay savings na tinatawag doon sa mga hindi nagamit na langis sa operations. At the end of the year, meron mga natipid," Balilo said during DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
"Iyon ang ginamit na pondo, yung savings. Hindi kami yung nag-procure, yung Petron," he addded.
Balilo stressed that PCG can only utilize the rebates for creating new facilities, and for purchasing or repairs of vehicles.
"Based doon sa contract ng Petron at ng Coast Guard, hindi maibabalik sa amin iyon as monetary," the PCG official remarked.
Balilo added that the security protection team of PCG recommended the bullet-proofing of vehicle so that it can be dispatched in situations with possible threats.
COA raised concerns over the purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado worth around Php 5 million in 2022.
The agency said that the vehicle falls under the category of "luxury vehicle", and prohibited by Malacanang Administrative Order No. 14.
The state auditor also noted that the vehicle underwent bulletproofing which cost around Php 2.8 million.
