Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu launched an internal investigation in the agency after the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the purchase of a bullet-proof sports utility vehicle (SUVs).
"Kung may comments at kailangan baguhin, nag-order ng investigation si Admiral Abu for internal purposes,"PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said on Wednesday, July 12, during DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
"Kung sakaling may loopholes na kailangan i-address, hindi naman kami insensitive para hindi pakinggan yung comments ng mga kababayan natin," Balilo added.
The COA flagged the acquisition of a Land Cruiser Prado, worth around Php 5 million, in 2022.
The state auditor cited Malacanang Administrative Order No. 14, which prohibits all government agencies from acquiring, and using luxury vehicles for their operations.
COA also noted that the vehicle underwent bulletproofing which cost around Php 2.8 million.
Balilo said 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 explained.
"Iyon ang ginamit na pondo, yung savings. Hindi kami yung nag-procure, yung Petron," he addded.
The PCG official also explained that the the security protection team recommended the bullet-proofing of vehicle so that it can be dispatched in situations with possible threats.
