Ombudsman launches "Oplan Red Plate"

CEBU - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas formally launched the “Oplan Red Plate” yesterday with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the other government agencies that will serve as partners of the anti-graft office in going after erring public officials and employees.

Assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni, who was sent as representative of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, witnessed the MOA signing between the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine National Police, Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, Land Transportation Office and Philippine Information Agency.

Jalandoni said the “Oplan Red Plate” will serve as a deterrent for government officials and employees to use government vehicles in their personal functions.

According to him, millions of pesos in government funds have been wasted because of the unauthorized use of government vehicles.

The signatories of the MOA include Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol, Police Regional Office 7 chief Ronald Roderos, LTO 7 assistant regional director Edgar Catarungan, CSC legal chief Ariel Bacatan, Nilo Pala of COA and Bob Cabardo of PIA.

These agencies will also compose the task force that will go after those who use government vehicles without proper authorization.

Apostol said that public officials and employees should secure trip tickets and display these on the windshields of their vehicle.

He said those who are caught using government vehicles after office hours and during weekends and holidays will be asked to explain. Once officials or employees fail to give satisfactory explanation, formal investigation will be conducted to determine the appropriate sanctions to be imposed.

Graft investigators earlier underwent orientation in preparation for the full implementation of the “Oplan Red Plate.”

Although the campaign was only launched yesterday, Apostol said they have already started the campaign long before. In fact, several investigations have already been docketed by the anti-graft office based on information they received from the public and the media.

The Ombudsman’s “Oplan Red Plate” is in support to the call of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for all government agencies to observe austerity measures. — Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)