RESPONDING to the national government’s call for energy efficiency and conservation measures amid the unabated fuel price increases, the Valenzuela City government has deployed a fleet of electric patrol cars, Mayor Weslie Gatchalian said.
With 35 BYD units, this would make the city the first local government unit to integrate electric vehicles into police patrol operations and operate the largest EV police fleet in the country.
“The initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen measures that reduce fuel consumption, conserve energy, and promote sustainable government operations across all levels of government,” he said.
Aside from the fleet of 35 EVs, the local government has also 40 new patrol motorcycles and 25 other vehicles for the city police.
“Modernizing our patrol fleet with electric vehicles allows us to strengthen peace and order while responsibly managing energy consumption and operational costs.”
The shift to electric vehicles was also projected to generate substantial operational savings for the city government.
“With the full deployment of the EV fleet, the city government projects total annual savings of approximately P6-million for the 35 EVs compared to operating diesel-powered patrol vehicles,” Gatchalian said.
Public hearing on Co’s arrest warrant
Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco is pushing Congress to conduct a public hearing in aid of legislation to fast-track the implementation of the arrest warrant against Zaldy Co.
“Hinahanap ba talaga natin si Zaldy Co? Marami ang nagtatanong kung bakit parang wala tayong sense of urgency na hanapin at panagutin ang isang big fish na gaya ni Co,” Tiangco said.
Tiangco said there’s a need for clear-cut guidelines for enforcing arrest warrants when a subject is outside Philippine jurisdiction, and cited the conflicting positions of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs in implementing Co’s arrest warrant.
The inability to immediately enforce an arrest warrant against a high-profile individual, who’s allegedly abroad, raises serious policy questions as to which government agency bears primary responsibility for the execution of an arrest warrant, coordination with foreign jurisdictions, and engagement with international law-enforcement agencies, he added.
