Task Force re-issues warning on gov't execs over ‘Red Plate’ use
Protocol car plates are only for specific officials of the Republic of the Philippines. Commemorative car plates are only for a specific period of time as authorized by transportation officials. And more so for vanity plates which are usually for the paid vanity of the rich and famous.
But for others in the category of governor, vice governor, mayor, vice mayor, councilor, barangay captain and all other public servants, sorry. No special plates.
The warning cum message stressed anew by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas following an eventful late Friday evening special operations.
The anti-graft body is currently on a roll with its campaign for proper use of government vehicles. A task force has since been created comprised by other government agencies now tasked to aid the Ombudsman in running after red-plate government vehicles on unofficial trips.
“Please inform everyone that all government vehicles must bear RED plates, must have markings, logo/name with “For Official Use Only” sign and must use a properly accomplished serially numbered trip tickets. Only exceptions are those with security plates,” the Ombudsman Visayas in a message to The News Today (TNT) said.
One strict compliance that apparently got the ire of local officials. In fact, TNT learned that in a recent Mayors’ League meeting here, Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta was among the more vocal against the Ombudsman drive. TNT was told that Gorriceta termed the campaign as “petty.” Incidentally, the Pavia Mayor was among those listed as violators when the task force first launched the simultaneous anti-Red Plate drive. To date, Gorriceta is also using a white pick-up truck with “MAYOR” as the frontal car plate.
“GOVERNOR, MAYOR, VMAYOR, COUNCILOR, BRGY CAPT ETC. plates are NOT allowed. The Task Force will see to it that proper use of govt. vehicle will be observed,” the Ombudsman message continued.
Task Force Red Plate members are under strict orders to go after violators and pursue charges.
Official use would mean no free rides to family members, the reminder went with the “For Official Use Only” marking at least 3 inches.
“Government motor vehicles should be used strictly and exclusively for official business. In other words, the use thereof for private social functions such as receptions, balls, theaters and for other personal purposes is absolutely prohibited. The use of government transportation by the spouses, children, relatives, friends etc of the officials entitled thereto is included in the prohibition even if they are in the company of said officials,” the Commission on Audit (COA) in a circular went.