The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for its acquisition of a bulletproof Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) worth P7.8 million in 2022.
According to the COA's audit report, the PCG purchased a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 V6 Gas for P4,999,000, with an additional cost of P2.8 million for bulletproofing.
This purchase goes against Malacañang's Administrative Order No. 14 which prohibits government agencies from acquiring and using luxury vehicles for their operations.
The funds used for the purchase were sourced from the PCG's fuel rebates from Petron Corporation.
In addition, the PCG also acquired 31 brand new Isuzu Mux LS-A 4x2 vehicles worth P58.9 million, also using the fuel rebates.
The COA revealed that the Coast Guard had rebates amounting to P163,210,601.08 from 2018 to 2022.
Of which P148,230,716.18 was utilized for the purchase of motor vehicles while the remaining P14,979,884.90 has not been utilized.
'The purchase in necessary'
In response to the audit findings, the PCG justified the acquisition of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, stating that it is necessary for the safe and secure transportation of the Commandant and to fulfill the PCG's mandated functions.
“The acquisition of vehicles through rebates is an opportunity for the PCG to capacitate the Command to become more responsive to the challenges prompting the organization,” the Coast Guard further explained.
As a corrective measure, COA instructed the PCG to obtain post facto approval from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado acquisition, in accordance with AO No. 14 s. 2018.
The PCG is directed to submit this approval to the Office of the Auditor.
The Coast Guard has expressed its agreement with the recommendations made by COA.
