Capitol officials seek clarification on rules of use of gov't cars

CEBU - Capitol officials will meet with five government agencies this Friday to once and for all ascertain the exact guidelines in the use of government red plate vehicles.

Invited to the dialogue are representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman, Land Transportation Office, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, and the Philippine National Police.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the provincial board agreed to hold the dialogue after the Oplan Red Plate tagged the service vehicle of Board Member Wilfredo Caminero as having been used for personal purposes when it was spotted parked in a mall last month.

During yesterday’s session of the Provincial Board, Board Member Agnes Magpale urged all provincial government officials to attend the dialogue and air their sentiments on the campaign of law enforcement agencies to strictly implement the “no travel, no plate policy” intended to identify government vehicles and ensure that they are not being used for personal means.

The move supports Administrative Order No. 239 of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which prohibits the use of government-issued vehicles for private purposes.

Magpale even came to Caminero’s defense, saying her colleague merely dropped by the mall to eat before proceeding to the children's celebration at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.

At that time, Caminero had just come from Argao when he stopped by the mall midday. He, however, failed to present his trip ticket to the task force, saying it was misplaced.

"We are not ordinary public employees. We work 24 hours a day," Magpale contended, citing an instance when she lent her vehicle to a constituent to bring another constituent to the hospital.

Board Member Victor Maambong also agreed with Magpale, saying there should be a leeway in the policy, considering that public officials do not observe an eight to five work schedule.

"Ilaha unta ming sabton kay lisod man i-define ang among office hours," Maambong said.

Maambong also lashed at the Ombudsman, saying there are issues that the anti-graft office can look into that are bigger than that of the use of government vehicles.

Under AO 239, all government agencies and offices are prohibited from using government vehicles for purposes other than official business, and that a trip ticket authorizing the use of the vehicle is displayed on the windshield or in another conspicuous place on the vehicle. The serially-numbered trip ticket must also be signed by an authorized official.

These motor vehicles shall be used strictly for official business, bear government plates only, and after the office hours or during weekends and holidays must be kept in a garage designated/provided therefore by the bureau or office to avoid unauthorized use. – Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)