26 gov't agencies to explain misuse of gov't vehicles
A total of 26 government offices in the City and Province of Iloilo will be made to explain by the Ombudsman Iloilo Regional Office VI why their vehicles were used during the weekend.
The inter-agency O-Plan Red Plate Task Forces in the City and Province of Iloilo spotted the use of these government-owned vehicles during a roadside inspection and monitoring in malls, restaurants, recreational areas and airports in the city and province last Saturday, April 4, 2009.
The weekend operation was conducted simultaneously in Western Visayas by the different Task Forces formed in each province composed of the representatives of the Ombudsman, Land Transportation Office, Commission on Audit, Philippine National Police, Civil Service Commission and the Philippine Information Agency.
The inter-agency task force which was launched in the region last March 30, 2009 is mandated to go after government officials and employees who use government vehicles other than for official purpose and beyond the mandated office hours.
O-Plan Red Plate Task Force- Iloilo City Team Leader Ferdinand Bauzon Jr. of the Ombudsman Iloilo said they were able to apprehend 13 government vehicles during the operation. Out of the 13 apprehensions, 11 violated certain rules governing the use of government vehicles.
Bauzon said violations ranged from no trip ticket, improperly accomplished trip ticket, trip ticket not serially numbered as mandated by Administrative Order No. 239 which was issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last September 15, 2008 that prohibits the use of government vehicles for purposes other than official business.
Other violations include vehicles have no markings “For Official Use Only”, without Official Logo and/or Name of Agency, Delinquent Registration, no Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt.
The Task Force has also observed that some of the apprehended government vehicles illegally bear commemorative plate and no plate attached.
On the other hand, the task force in the province was able to apprehend 19 government vehicles, of which 15 were found to have violations.
Bauzon said the campaign is in line with the government’s effort to ensure that government vehicles are being used prudently, judiciously and efficiently, so as not to incur wastage in government resources.
Recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reiterated her call to all government agencies stressing that “Government vehicles including police cars, not on official trip, should be garaged in the agency office and the keys kept by guards during weekend and holidays. Government vehicles used by officials below Cabinet rank may not have security plates unless there is imminent danger to their lives.”
Bauzon said the Task Force is set to meet again soon to decide when the next operation will be as reports of abuse and improper use of government vehicles continue to reach the Office of the Ombudsman. (PIA)