The Local Government Unit of Iloilo City has taken back publicly-owned items donated to Museo Iloilo.

Among the items recovered were airconditioning units, CCTV camera, computer, and projector that amounted to over P1 million.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said that they sent a total of six letters to the Museo beginning in 2023, until they have taken back the items from June 7 to 10, 2024.

The basis for taking back the said items is Circular No. 1989-296 of the Commission on Audit which prohibits private institutions from using any public property.

Museo Iloilo is under the supervision of the Iloilo City Cultural Research Foundation. Its president, Gina Espinosa, is the wife of Jose Espinosa III, former Iloilo City mayor.

“Ang inventory group ng GSO [General Services Office], iyan ang tinitingnan, pasok sila sa opisina at tinitingnan kung kaninong laptop ito. And may nakita sila na donations sa private,” Mayor Treñas said.

Based on Presidential Decree 1445, a private institution can use donated items from local government units provided these are “unserviceable,” and that these are items that have not been sold in public auctions.

The management of the Museo did not grant an on-camera interview but said that the items taken back are all functional. 

The management is thankful that there are donors who provided new equipment to the museum.