By Mae Singuay
The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on transportation and traffic is eyeing conducting an investigation into the alleged corruption at the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
Committee head, Councilor Al Victor Espino, in a press conference at a hotel yesterday, said they will file a resolution to investigate the corruption allegations at the BTAO.
Espino told members of the media that his office received complaints that some BTAO personnel allegedly collected a P1,500 penalty for impounding vehicles without issuing receipts.
The councilor said several victims of alleged irregularities are willing to execute their affidavits to file complaints against some BTAO personnel.
Earlier, BTAO guard Abner Salvallon, a job order casual, and BTAO head Police Major Junji Liba also conducted a press conference following an incident where Espino allegedly threatened Salvallon with a gun.
Salvallon filed a complaint against Espino before Police Station 8.
He is also eyeing filing administrative charges against the councilor before the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Liba said Espino went to the BTAO office on October 18, to clarify the apprehension of two students for not wearing helmets onboard a motorcycle.
The students were penalized, and the motorcycle was impounded for lack of documents.
They allegedly took the impounded motorcycle without paying for a penalty, and sought the help of their friend, who also asked for Espino’s assistance.
Meanwhile, Espino denied threatening Salvallon with a gun.
“If I threatened Salvallon with a gun, why did Liba, who is a police officer, not arrest him?” Espino asked.
“I will exercise the full power and authority of my committee to answer the call of the residents,” Espino said.
He with his legal team are now studying the possible charges that will be filed against Salvallon and Liba.
“My legal team is here. We are exploring all legal measures because my reputation has already besmirched. I have no intention of supposedly holding a press conference but I have to answer it,” Espino said.
“Kay hambalon ta kamo kun ginagamit kamo. Kun sin-o ang sa likod niyo because kun tuod man gid napati niyo, inyo mandato sa opisina, ngaa nagpa-presscon kamo,” he added, referring to Salvallon and Liba.
Liba said he will answer the alleged corruption issue in the proper forum.
Last week, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez ordered the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the alleged altercation.
Benitez said BCPO director, Colonel Noel Aliño would be required to submit the result of the investigation once completed./MS, WDJ