DILG chief: LGU officials prohibited from buying, using luxury vehicles for their operations

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, newly elected officials of local government units (LGUs) that they are prohibited from acquiring or using luxury vehicles for their operations.

In a statement, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on provincial governors, city and town mayors, barangay officials, and Sanggunian members to exercise due prudence when purchasing motor vehicles and observe strict compliance with budgetary, procurement and auditing laws, regulations and standards at all times.

He said the procurement of motor vehicles should be done in the most efficient and economic manner with due consideration on vehicles that are cost-effective, fuel- efficient, environment-friendly, and at par with improvements and developments in the automotive industry and relevant technology.

“Let’s stay prudent in choosing a vehicle, especially since we have not yet recovered from the bad effects on the economy brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. We must be an example to our constituents in the prudent use of public funds,” Abalos said in Tagalog.

Considered as “luxury vehicles” are the following:

• Sedan or hatchback with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500cc if gasoline-fed or 3,500cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders;

• Passenger vans or pick-up type vehicles with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500cc if gasoline-fed or 3,000cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders;

• Multipurpose vehicles and vans with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500cc, if gasoline-fed or 2,800cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders; and

• Sports utility vehicles are considered luxury vehicles when the engine displacement exceeds 2,700cc if gasoline-fed or 3,000cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders.

Secondhand vehicles

Abalos said the purchase of secondhand or reconditioned vehicles, except for aircraft and seacraft, regardless of the source of funds and approving authority is also not allowed.

In DILG Memorandum Circular 2022-105, Abalos encouraged LGUs to dedicate a percentage of their vehicular requirements to the purchase of motor vehicles using alternative fuel types such as biofuels, flexi-fuel, natural gas, and solar-powered, taking into consideration the sustainability or power supply in the area of operation.

He said local chief executives are allowed to acquire the following motor vehicles and heavy equipment chargeable against their local funds subject to specification limitations:

• Specific-purpose vehicles such as ambulances, patrol and armored vehicles, fire trucks, prisoners’ vans;

• Heavy equipment such as road construction equipment, cargo transport equipment, farm machinery, waste management or environmental sanitation equipment, etc;

• Locally assembled, owner or passenger-type jeep;

• Motorized bancas and motorized boats;

• Vehicles for mass transport; and

• Motorcycles and tri-wheel vehicles.

No brands

“Please bear in mind that all motor vehicles intended to be purchased must not contain a brand name. Likewise, no post-purchase authority shall or could be issued by the Department under any circumstances,” said Abalos.