The city Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) withheld the approval of the acquisition of a tow truck which supposedly will be used to drag illegally parked vehicles in Tagbilaran City in accordance with the clamping and towing ordinance approved last month.

City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso, presiding officer of the SP, agreed in favor of councilors who suggested to summon officials from the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) so they may verify the use and importance of a tow truck in their operations.

Councilor Dodong Gonzaga previously questioned the allotment of P1.8 million for the purchase of the said truck, noting that the amount is high considering that the council has not determined the possible frequency of its use.

Gonzaga said that he is not blocking the said allotment but is calling for a review on the importance of the said vehicle in solving the city’s perennial illegal parking problem.

The SP should also determine the city’s obligations should tow truck operators mishandle and damage towed vehicles, Gonzaga added.

He also proposed to the SP to let the CTMO conduct a dry run and should it be determined that there is no need for the tow truck, the city government should buy heavy equipment to be used for barangay projects instead.

The money previously  allotted for the purchase of the tow truck will supposedly be sourced from unused funds which were earmarked for the acquisition of heavy equipment.

Other councilors also agreed to start the implementation of the ordinance even without the tow truck as clamping devices have already been purchased by the city government.