Crackdown on unauthorized use of gov’t vehicles ordered

The government is going to conserve energy and stop the unauthorized use of "red plate" vehicles in one concerted effort.

In line with the government’s energy conservation efforts, the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered a crackdown on unauthorized users of government vehicles.

As part of the crackdown, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has ordered the creation of "Task Force Red Plate" to be headed by Assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni.

Gutierrez said she has been receiving numerous complaints regarding the unauthorized use of government vehicles by government officials and employees.

According to her, concerned citizens have informed her office of government vehicles bearing "red" license plates being seen in shopping malls and even nightspots.

"This creates a bad impression of the government — especially during this time when the country is facing another bout of oil price increases," Gutierrez said.

According to Jalandoni, Task Force Red Plate will deploy personnel who will conduct undercover monitoring of government vehicles being used for unofficial purposes.

"It will collate all information pertaining to said government vehicles and will act on said report, including complaints received by the Office of the Ombudsman," Jalandoni said.

Gutierrez also directed Jalandoni to directly submit to her a progress report on all the cases related to the unauthorized use of government vehicles.

She said the task force will spare no one, not even high-ranking elected or appointed officials of government, to ensure compliance with the rules covering the official use of government vehicles. — Mike Frialde