By Francis Allan L. Angelo
ILOILO City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he does not own nor received as gift an expensive, bullet-proof sport utility vehicle but he rides one for security purposes.
Fresh from his trip in the US, Mabilog parried the allegations of a tabloid (not The Daily Guardian) that he received a Ford Excursion from a wealthy Ilonggo businessman in exchange for the garbage collection contract of the city.
Mabilog said the Excursion is actually owned by a certain Joebert Evidente “who is a cousin of my cousin.”
Mabilog said Evidente was selling the vehicle to him but he refused it because it was too big and his garage has limited space.
But due to security concerns that cropped up late last month, Mabilog said he was compelled to borrow the Excursion in the meantime.
“The security concern came up when two persons asked about the official vehicle I was using. My security adviser, Col. Felix Muchada advised me to use another vehicle for security purposes, that’s why I’m riding the Excursion,” he added.
The mayor previously used a silver Toyota Grandia van as his service vehicle while his personal and security staff members ride on a Toyota Urvan as backup car.
Mabilog said that aside from personal safety, he also wants to protect the city from besmirching its image if harm befalls him.
“I still have a lot of plans and dreams for the city. How can we fulfill our plans if something happens to me? And what will become of the city’s image as a business destination if the mayor gets killed while doing his work?” Mabilog said.
Mabilog said he is planning to buy the Excursion through a 12-month installment mode.
“The vehicle is not brand new and definitely not worth P10 million as reported,” he said.
As regards the performance of JS Layson firm which handles the garbage collections contract, Mabilog said he is happy with the services of the Laysons.
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