Thursday, July 24, 2008 Espinoza: Smuggled vehicles By Elias L. Espinoza Free Zone
EVEN before the congressional committee looking into the smuggling of high-end motor vehicles into the country could wrap its inquiry, brand new SUVs allegedly from Thailand had slipped into Cebu.
A reliable source said the vehicles bore registration plates assigned to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Mindanao. Meaning, they came in through the backdoor and were registered in Mindanao.
The vehicle brands were Fortuner, Hilux and Camry. They were allegedly sold way below prices pegged by Toyota dealers here.
My source said a buyer, tempted by the low price, almost bought a Fortuner but backed out after the dealer could not produce a sales invoice, bill of lading and proof of payment of duties. The vehicles are on display in car yards in Cebu and Mandaue cities, my source said.
A group has long been into this business even before Rep. Antonio Cuenco initiated the congressional inquiry that put the Bureau of Customs and the LTO on the spot. The other modus of this group is hitting an insurance company. It would declare a unit lost or stolen and claim 100 percent compensation, my source said.
I hope this won’t make Congressman Cuenco blow his top again, as the vehicles compete with those in the company of his nephew, who is a dealer of Toyota. Had the congressman known about these vehicles, the duration of the congressional inquiry would probably have been extended.
This group, my source said, is also linked to the sale of stolen cars from Luzon. Despite complaints from buyers, the car yard of this dealer is still very much open.
The Traffic Management Group (TMG) apparently knows the group’s illegal activities. Aside from traffic management, TMG is tasked to recover stolen motor vehicles and prosecute thieves. So wake up, TMG!
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Abellana St., the road that connects Talamban to Mandaue City and the highway going to Consolacion, is in utter disrepair especially after the downpour brought about by typhoon Frank.
Mayor Jonas Cortes should put down for a moment his conflict with opposition city councilors and check the condition of the city’s roads. This road has long been in bad shape even under the previous administration.
To earn pogi points from his constituents in Canduman, Mayor Cortes should immediately order the repair of the road. He should not wait for the May 2010 polls.
Abellana St. is not different from the road in Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. Work on this widened road was not completed after Asean Summit organizers decided that participants need not pass the area.
Despite the poor shape of the road, Lapu-Lapu City officials and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) do not seem to care about the motorists there. Lapu-Lapu City officials just wash their hands and pass the buck to the DPWH, saying they have no obligation to make the repairs.
They maybe right, but they should realize that they always get the blame because these dilapidated roads are within the jurisdiction of the city.
When Mayor Arturo Radaza’s ally won the barangay elections in Basak against the protégé of his political archenemy, many expected the mayor to order the completion of the work on this road. They were wrong.
If Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña can allow the city to repair damaged national roads in his jurisdiction and then let the DPWH refund the cost, I don’t see any reason why Mandaue or Lapu-Lapu can not do it.
Don’t tell me Mayor Cortes and Mayor Radaza does not have political will.
