Twenty-one (21) individuals have already surrendered their fake tricycle franchises within the period of January to October 2019, the chairman of the City Council’s transportation committee said.
Councilor Elgin Damasco, chair of the committee, stated in his privilege speech during the regular session Monday that these fake tricycle franchises were obtained through an illegal transaction, “allegedly” with a former employee of the city hall and two other City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) staff.
“Mayroon pang dalawang empleyado ng City Traffic Management Office na involved din po sa franchise for sale, at sa pagkaka-alam ko, ito ay tinanggal na,” said Damasco.
“The committee has also found out that the illegal transaction has started since 2016. Ayon pa sa CTMO mas marami pa ang nasa lansangan ngayon na nag-o-operate, na ang kanilang franchise ay fake,” he added.
During his speech, Damasco also identified this alleged former city hall staff as Meryl Clemente.
He said Clemente once worked at the city hall under the office of the former vice mayor.
Damasco said the matter is now subject to a thorough investigation of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO).
“In view of this event, the City Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board (CTFRB) has already adopted the resolution, endorsing the alleged proliferation of illegal tricycle franchise for sale to the City Police Office for investigation,” he stated.
He said their findings in the committee report will also be endorsed to PPCPO.
Damasco also called on to those individuals who are operating with fake tricycle franchises to surrender it to the authorities.
On Wednesday Palawan Daily News tried to get the side of the city police director, Police Colonel Marion Balonglong regarding their investigation, but he is yet to respond.