Leyte provincial staff faces raps for use of gov’t car

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas on Tuesday, June 23, recommended the filing of administrative charges against the staff of Provincial Board Member Anlie Apostol of Leyte for alleged misconduct.

Vilma Obaob allegedly allowed non-government employees to use for unofficial purposes the government-issued car of Apostol – in violation of Commission on Audit Circular No 75-6 regulating the use of government vehicles, aircraft, and watercraft.

The use of government vehicles without valid trip tickets as well as the transportation of unauthorized passengers using government vehicles are strictly prohibited under COA Circular 75-6.

 An investigation report recently made available to the media showed that on September 9, 2013, members of the Inter-Agency Oplan Red Plate Task Force flagged down a Toyota Innova with plate number SLA 997 and with the markings “For Official Use Only” and with provincial logo.

On board the vehicle were Patricia Candara, Kane Inabangan, and Ernesto Medalla, all of whom were not employees of the provincial government.

Medalla, the driver, was unable to present a trip ticket. He reportedly explained that he was sent on an errand by Obaob, the board member’s staff.

Provincial Administrator Vincent Emnas confirmed that the vehicle was issued  by the office of Apostol, but without the required trip ticket for the said errand and its passengers.

Vice Governor Carlo Loreto reminded other officials that government-issued vehicles should only be used for official trips, with supporting trip tickets. All government vehicles, he said, must be kept in a garage, except when an approved travel goes beyond office hours.

The Ombudsman-Visayas has referred the case to Governor Leopoldo Dominico  Petilla for appropriate action. – Jazmin Bonifacio/Rappler.com