Text red plate violations now
WELL-MEANING citizens can now help the government in text reporting any perceived unauthorized use of red plated vehicles in unexpected places especially during non-office hours.
Your text messages you sent to 0919 898 4621 for Smart, or 0917 839 8462 for Globe users go directly to the Presidential Action Center.
Reports however should contain vehicle type, plate number, place and time where the government vehicle is found and if pictures are much appreciated if included.
Letters, telegrams and written reports can be forwarded to the Presidential Acton Center, Arlegui St. San Miguel, Manila.
By virtue of Malacanang’s Administrative Order 239, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed September 15, she has expressly strengthened the government’s effort against the use of government vehicles for purposes other than official business in line with energy saving and anti-graft and corruption campaign programs.
With AO 239, she stressed that it is inherent in government to promote judicious and responsible stewardship in the utilization of government resources.
In the order, the President said the use of government vehicles on Sundays, legal holidays, out of regular office hours or outside the route of officials or employees authorized to use them, by any person other than such authorized shall be prima facie evidence of preceding administrative case against them, section 1 of the AO stated.
Section 1 states that all government agencies and offices are prohibited from using any government vehicles for purposes other than official business.
Other than official business means private social functions, receptions, balls, theaters and other personal purposes, section 2 of the order declared.
The strict prohibition also includes use of such vehicles by spouses, children, relatives, friends even if they are accompanied by the said officials.
However, if the vehicle carries a legitimate trip ticket which should be displayed conspicuously in the car’s windshield or any conspicuous place in the vehicle, its use may be allowed.
The trip tickets issued to these vehicles on on-official hours or functions should be serially numbered and duly signed by the authorized official.
Such vehicles should be parked on designated garages to avoid unofficial use. The keys should be kept by the guard on duty and if the vehicles are spotted elsewhere, the guard along with the person caught using the vehicle should be made liable, AO’s section 3 said.
For vehicles used by intelligence operatives however, the order does not apply.
The order also enjoins the Land Transportation Office to closely coordinate and assist for the prompt implementation, particularly on the identification of reported government vehicles.
Other than the two textlines, complaints can also be sent to the PAC through 0919 898 4622, 0919 898 0623, 0917 898 2462 or 0917 898 5462. (PIA/rachiu)
