By Chito Chavez
The Quezon City government vowed to impose strict actions on officials and personnel using government-owned motor vehicles in unauthorized and or unofficial trips this Holy Week.
Photo courtesy of Google Maps | mb.com.ph
“In observance of Lent, the whole Christian community will once again have the time to ponder on the sufferings and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the time where people return to their provinces or other places to reflect and/or unwind. In this regard, please be reminded that all government officials/personnel (elected and appointed) of the Quezon City government are refrained from using city-owned motor vehicles for purposes other than official trips,” the memorandum signed by city general services officer Ricardo T. Aureo read.
The memorandum also covers public school principals and barangay captains who were also assigned government-owned vehicles by City Hall.
“All concerned are enjoined to strictly observe proper utilization of government-owned motor vehicles to avoid any inconvenience/s as well as administrative, civil and criminal liability,” the memorandum ended.
Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Commission on Audit, the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman.
The officials were further reminded of a provision in Commission on Audit Circular 92-386 which states that “the person in actual physical possession of supplies or property or entrusted with its custody and control shall be responsible for its proper use and care and shall exercise the diligence of a good father of a family in the utilization and safekeeping thereof”.
The officials were also warned against removing or concealing “For Official Use Only” markings on vehicles owned by the city government.
First District Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr. has warned barangay officials against using barangay vehicles for personnel use or unofficial purposes.
He recalled an incident where a barangay chairman of the city was penalized for allowing the use of the barangay’s vehicle for his son’s out of town birthday celebration.
The public is enjoined to report misuse of city government vehicles by calling Hotline 122 or the QC General Services Department at 988-4242 local 8600. (Chito A. Chavez)