Gov't markings missing on nine Naga vehicles

CEBU, Philippines -  The Commission on Audit, in its latest 2011 annual report, said motor vehicles owned by the Naga City government go around without the prescribed “For Official Use Only” markings.

The absence of such markings and the name or logo of the city government, contravenes Joint Circular No. 1 dated September 3, 1991 of the COA and the Department of Budget and Management.

Under Joint Circular No. 1 dated September 3, 1991 of the Commission on Audit (COA) and the DBM provides: “No government funds  shall be utilized to provide fuel, spare parts, repair and maintenance to any government vehicles which are not permanently marked “For Official Use Only” with the name or logo of the agency not otherwise properly identified as government vehicle and does not carry the official government plate number, except official vehicles assigned to the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice of Supreme Court and those by personnel performing functions.”

The COA found at least nine motor vehicles were not marked with “For Official Use Only” while three vehicles were not renewed and for not bearing government plates. 

“The City Treasurer and or the General Services Officer should take the initiative that all government vehicles must be marked appropriately and registered with LTO,” the report read. 

According to the COA, the city government should register with the agency in order to avoid personal liability in cases of accident. 

“Proper documentation must be prepared to support usage and consumption of gasoline, oil and lubricants,” the report said. (FREEMAN)