Monday, December 04, 2006 Report gov't cars on private trips: Ombudsman
THE Ombudsman's corruption prevention unit in Iloilo City, People's Graftwatch of Iloilo Inc. (PGII) chaired by Monsignor Meliton Oso, scored anew the private trips of government employees using their official vehicle.
Launched Thursday was "Operation Red Plate," a project of the PGII whereby public officials who shall use or take advantage of the government service vehicles for personal end will be apprehended out of a certain complaint.
The project is supported by the European Union other than the Ombudsman-Visayas Iloilo.
Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, Virginia Palanca-Santiago, encouraged everyone including the students to report any government vehicles used during holidays and non-office days-Saturdays and Sundays and non-office hours.
The vehicle's plate number, name of office the car belongs, its color and the time and place it was seen should be reported to the Ombudsman office here at CAP Bldg., Gen. Luna St. or reported to hotline number 509-4655 or Palanca's personal cell phone number-09183498326.
Administrative sanctions such as six months suspension and or monetary sanctions would be filed against the violator. The weight of the fine would depend on the amount of gasoline used up.
Palanca revealed that there were already government officials who were charged because of taking advantage of the government vehicle. (LABB)
