COA takes notice on CPA vehicles without red plates

CEBU, Philippines- The management of the Cebu Port Authority has reportedly been tolerating the use of government motor vehicles without proper government plates.

 The Commission on Audit, in its 2014 report, noted that there are government motor vehicles owned by CPA, which were acquired four to 18 years ago, that bear green plates instead of red plates required for government vehicles.

 COA also said disbursement vouchers for fuel consumption of CPA-owned vehicles “were not supported with properly accomplished and approved serially numbered Driver’s Trip Tickets” resulting to irregular disbursement of government funds.

 “These trip tickets are submitted only when the auditor demands for it for audit purposes. Verification of these trip tickets showed further that some did not bear the name(s) of the passengers, their signatures and the purpose of the trip,” read the audit report.

 In response, the management of CPA informed the audit team that they have been authorized by the Land Transportation Office to use green plates for CPA vehicles for security purposes.

 But the audit team said they have yet to be furnished a copy of the authorization from LTO.

 With this, COA instructed the CPA management to present the LTO authorization that they can use green/security plates on government vehicles.

COA also reiterated, as previously recommended, that disbursement vouchers for fuel consumption should be supported with properly accomplished and approved Driver’s Trip Tickets with serial numbers upon submission to the Auditor’s Office.

 Specific guidelines under COA Circular No. 76-23 provide that all government vehicles should be used exclusively and strictly for official business.

 The use of government motor vehicles for private social functions such as receptions and for other personal purposes is absolutely prohibited. Likewise, use thereof by the spouses, children, relatives, friends, etc. of the officials entitled thereto, even if they are in accompany of said officials, is strictly prohibited.

 Further, government motor vehicles shall not be used for fetching officials or employees from home to office or vice-versa, unless specifically authorized by the Office of the President.

 All government motor vehicles owned by the government should be plainly marked “For Official Use Only” (three inches), under which should be written the corresponding name of the Office operating or using the same.

 Driver’s Trip Tickets should be duly accomplished and approved by the chief of the agency or his duly authorized representative.  (FREEMAN)