Are Government C.E.O.s Purchasing New Vehicles?

Julius Espat

Before taking office late last year, the People’s United Party pledged that it would curtail expenditure related to the purchase of new vehicles for elected officials amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But not all ministers and C.E.O.s seem to be in line with that initiative, as reports indicate that several of them have gone ahead with purchasing new vehicles. When asked about his knowledge of those procurements, Minister Espat told the media that he is unaware of the situation and, in speaking on his ministry’s behalf, says that both himself and C.E.O. Victor Espat have opted to use their private vehicles for work.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development

“I cannot speak on that because I don’t know if vehicles were ordered, I really don’t.  It’s not been discussed in Cabinet.”

Reporter

“We have been told that they’ve been ordered for some C.E.O.s.”

Julius Espat

“I can understand that as a reporter you’ve been told, but I haven’t been informed.  I can only speak about myself and my C.E.O., we have both made decisions that we will use our personal vehicles.  I can’t go further than that because I believe that it is important that we do everything that is necessary, especially in this time of crisis that the country is in, to set the example.  But I can’t speak on the ordering of new vehicles for C.E.O.s and ministers, I don’t have that information.  That is a question that only the Ministry of Finance can respond to.”