The findings of the Commission on Audit on the P1.8-billion defective police patrol cars, Senator Grace Poe said, validated her concerns to a large extent.
“I will push for an inquiry to look into these and determine the culpability of the PNP officials, among others,” said Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public services.
Poe recalled that she had already expressed serious concerns in 2014 about the way the terms of reference (TOR) for the PNP patrol jeeps bidding were crafted. She said they were tailored-fit for Mahindra.
She noted that this would effectively eliminate all the other more known brands with a track record and countrywide presence as far as service centers are concerned from competing.
Sen. JV Ejercito, on the other hand, said the PNP and AFP with meager resources should acquire vehicles and equipment that are durable and reliable.
“We cannot afford to waste public funds on vehicles and equipment that are not reliable. Nagtatapon lang tayo ng pondo! Sayang!” further stated Ejercito.
Sen. Chiz Escudero earlier questioned the India-made CAC Mahindra’s Enforcer patrol cars, saying they’re “defective and dangerous” since it was a conversion of a right-hand drive vehicle to a left drive car.
Escudero said the Mahindra’s cars that were converted from right-hand drive to left hand could endanger its passengers. He said when the driver maneuvers the wheel to the right, the right front wheel does not jibe with the direction of the driver.
Escudero said the government should not to put into peril the lives of policemen or soldiers by providing them substandard vehicles like Mahindra.
