Inter-agency Task Force Oplan Red Plate marks its 1st Anniv
The Ombudsman Regional Office 6 reminds that public that the “Oplan Red Plate” is still in place and active and they are asking for public support to make the campaign successful.
To intensify the campaign, an Inter-Agency Task Force on O-Plan Red Plate was created with partner agencies are the Commission on Audit (COA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The operation of the Task Force will not be limited to Iloilo City but the whole Western Visayas to ensure a wide coverage and greater impact.
Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio S. Apostol created and launched first the Inter-Agency Task Force O-Plan Red Plate in Region 7 and then in Regions 6 on March 30, 2009.
A number of “Oplan Red Plate” cases were reported through text messages by concerned citizens to Ombudsman Regional Office 6. In year 2007, they received 160 reports on abuse in the use of government vehicles. Two of these were upgraded to a formal case while in 2008, the office only received 47 reports. One was upgraded to a formal complaint.
The significant decrease in reports of abuse of government vehicles may be attributed to the inter-agency’s intensive campaign in 2007 where many agencies were caught violating the law and were given a warning. This proactive approach resulted to positive response from the concerned agencies who now use Trip Tickets for their travel. Their vehicles now also bear office name or logo and “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” sign.
One year after, a significant impact was observed in the proper use of government vehicles. This can be attributed to the active support of the people of Western Visayas in this campaign.
During the simultaneous operation conducted in the 6 provinces of Region 6, 110 red plate vehicles spotted. Many of which were now upgraded to a formal case and under administrative adjudication.
The Regional Office is appealing to the public to be vigilant and report any incidence of violation to Text OMB Hotline number 09178898662.
