BACOLOD City – The city government’s fuel expenses had decreased last year following the implementation of the MABB Cab ride-hailing program, according to the Internal Audit Services Department (IASD).
MABB Cab ride-hailing system exclusively serves government employees on official businesses, ensuring efficient transportation for fieldwork and services.
It also aims to enhance the monitoring of government vehicles and ensure drivers fulfill their duties effectively, particularly for offices requiring transportation assistance.
Ray Agpangan, IASD head II, said the city spent only P9.9 million out of a total P25.5 million allocated for fuel expenses in 2024. In comparison, fuel expenses for 2023 amounted to P16.3 million.
“This is taxpayers’ money, so they have the right to know about these matters,” he said.
Initiated under the leadership of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the MABB Cab program was patterned after the Negros Occidental provincial government’s Capitol Cab, a ride-hailing service with a digital booking application that handles the travel demands of provincial government employees on official business.
To further strengthen the city government’s move against the improper use of public funds, Mayor Benitez had implemented a stricter policy on fuel usage with the introduction of fleet cards in 2024 which are designed to prevent unauthorized fuel transactions.
With significant savings on fuel, the city government not only demonstrates its commitment to responsible budgeting and transparency, but also ensures that the funds will be carefully managed by the City Budget Office for future projects for the continued progress of the city./PN
