Presidential order restricts use of state-owned vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked the public to report state employees and officials who use government vehicles beyond official trips. The directive was embodied in Administrative Order (AO) 239 signed by then acting Executive Secretary Jesus G. Dureza on Sept. 15. "The continuous rise in the prices of oil in the world market calls for the government to promote the judicious use of our energy resources through intensified conservation effort and efficient utilization thereof," the order read. The public may report unofficial use of government vehicles by letter to the Presidential Action Center along Arlegui St., San Miguel, Manila, or through text message at 0919-898-4621, 0919-898-4622, 0919-898-4623, 0917-839-8462, 0917-898-2462 and 0917-898-5462. "The report shall contain, among others, the type of vehicle, plate number, and the place and time where the government vehicle is found, preferably with pictures," the order said. The President also ordered all department heads to carry out a "vigorous information dissemination campaign" on the order in their offices. In the same order, Mrs. Arroyo said users of government vehicles by bureaus and offices should acquire a serially numbered trip ticket signed by an authorized official. "These motor vehicles shall be used strictly for official business, bear government plates only, and after office hours or during weekends and holidays kept in a garage designated/provided by the bureau of office to avoid their unauthorized use," the order said. The order further provided that during weekends or holidays, the guard on duty will keep the garage keys. Once the vehicle is seen elsewhere during these days, the guard will be liable along with those caught using the vehicle. AO 239 was released a month after the President issued AO 233, which prohibited government offices from buying or using luxury cars to lessen dependence on imported oil. The said order also instructed all agencies to account for all motor vehicle units and to prepare a disposal program for all luxury vehicles, which will be submitted to the Budget department and the Office of the President. — Alexis Douglas B. Romero, BusinessWorld