PNP positive on success of 'operation red plate'
Iloilo Provincial Police Director Ricardo de la Paz is positive that the government’s campaign “Operation Red Plate” will succeed given the support of the public and the commitment of member agencies.
In a radio interview, de la Paz said that the campaign is strongly coordinated with agencies like the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and spearheaded by the Office of the Ombudsman.
De la Paz said that what is important for the campaign to succeed is accurate, prompt and appropriate monitoring of government vehicles, especially after office hours and on weekends.
“This campaign calls for prudent use of government vehicles besides the fact that it is also a cost-cutting measure, incurring savings on gasoline and preventing unnecessary wear and tear of vehicles,” de la Paz said.
Earlier, President Gloria Arroyo said that a belt-tightening measure to support her Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) is the restriction on the use of government vehicles.
Arroyo said official vehicles cannot be used for personal purposes so on weekends they must be in the agencies’ garages and the office guards must keep the keys.
On the use of government security plates, Arroyo said, it should be limited to officials with cabinet rank, unless those concerned face imminent threat to their lives or their safety. (PIA6/ESS)