No takers for Sereno’s P5-M vehicle

The P5-million luxury service vehicle that ousted chief justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno used while holding the top judicial post remains parked at the Supreme Court (SC) compound.

The STAR learned that none of the SC justices would like to use the Toyota Land Cruiser, which is the subject of a Commission on Audit (COA) report.

“No takers,” a member of the high court replied when asked who would be using the vehicle next.

Sereno returned the vehicle after the SC affirmed on June 19 its decision removing her as chief justice by granting the quo warranto petition filed by So- licitor General Jose Calida.

The COA sent the SC an audit observation memorandum on June 1, which questioned the lack of bidding and late submission of documents for the procurement of the luxury vehicle.

The COA said the acquisition of the Land Cruiser for P5,110,500 was in violation of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act and its Internal Rules and Regulations because only Toyota Makati joined the bidding for the procurement of the vehicle.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio has ordered the court’s Procurement Planning Committee and Bids and Awards Committee to comment on the COA report.