The Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday explained its purchase in 2022 of a luxury SUV worth P5 million after it was flagged by the Commission on Audit.
Bullet proofing for the SUV was said to be worth P2.8 million.
According to a report on “24 Oras,” the PCG said it used rebates from an oil company to but the SUV.
The PCG said the rebates came from operations which did not push through as the year ended.
It said the contract with the oil company provided for non-monetary rebates for mobility or infrastructure instead of cash.
The security and protection team reportedly suggested the purchase of a bulletproof SUV and 31 service vehicles to be distributed across the country.
“We are submitting to the jurisdiction of COA,” PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.
He said the PCG had started to investigate the matter to find out if there are loopholes to correct and avoid any perception that funds are being abused. —NB, GMA Integrated News
