A Land Transportation Office (LTO) service vehicle was called out by the own agency’s chief after being seen parked at a shopping establishment, raising concerns about its off-duty use.
The agency on May 22 said that it had issued a show-cause order to an LTO official after their service vehicle was spotted parked at a membership-only shopping establishment in the evening.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the official has been summoned to explain whether the vehicle was used for official duties or for personal purposes.
“Hindi natin kukunsintihin ang anumang maling paggamit ng sasakyan ng gobyerno. Inatasan ko na ang concerned official na magsumite ng paliwanag upang mabatid kung may paglabag na naganap,” he said in a statement.
“Ang lahat ng sasakyan ng gobyerno ay dapat ginagamit lamang para sa opisyal na tungkulin. Kapag napatunayang walang kaugnayan sa trabaho ng ahensya ang paggamit nito, pananagutin ang sinumang mapapatunayang lumabag sa umiiral na mga patakaran,” Lacanilao added.
The LTO explained that the swift action on complaints involving possible abuse or misuse of government resources is part of the agency’s internal cleansing program.
The agency also assured the public that the investigation will be fair and thorough, and that appropriate administrative sanctions will be imposed if it is proven there is a violation of existing laws and regulations governing the use of government vehicles.
Last February, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated that government vehicles must not be used on weekends and holidays.
They may only be used when their use is directly connected to the performance of official duties.
“Government vehicles are provided exclusively to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of public service. Their use is a privilege anchored on public trust,” the DILG said.
“Any unauthorized use, especially for personal purposes during weekends and holidays, runs contrary to the principles of accountability, integrity, and modest living expected of public servants,” the agency added.
