Trillanes denies buying overpriced multicabs

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday denied that he bought overpriced multicabs costing P300,000 each through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), as accused by the United Nationalist Alliance.

 

In a press statement, the senator said he never funded overpriced projects or personally gained from different projects through his PDAF.

 

“From 2011 to 2013, my office has granted numerous requests from the different municipalities in the country for fund allocation for multicabs which will be used as ambulance or patrol car,” he said.

 

Trillanes said the amounts allocated for the requests were standardized as funds were directly released to the requesting local government units, which conduct their own procurement based on existing rules and regulations.

 

“My office has no involvement on the procurement of these multicabs,” he said.

 

He added that based on the canvassing made by his office, the market value of a multicab in good condition amounts to P170,000.

 

“This is further customized by the requesting local government unit depending on the purpose of its use, either as an ambulance or a patrol car. In addition to the cost for the custom design changes, part of our allocation includes costs for spare parts, operation and maintenance for one year of each multicab,” he said.

 

He further said that the amounts allocated for his PDAF projects were reviewed by the Commission on Audit.

 

“Said agency did not find any anomalous transactions on the same,” he said.

 

Trillanes accused UNA of maligning his name by releasing such information.

 

“Mukhang kuryente na naman ang nilabas na balita ng UNA, tulad ng ginawa nila sa paglalabas ng 'di umano’y luxury cars na pag-aari ko,” he said.

 

UNA earlier accused the senator of owning eight luxury vehicles that were not declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. Trillanes denied it saying the most expensive vehicle that he owns is a Montero and it is indicated in his SALN. —KG, GMA News