The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, and sangguniang panlungsod members to refrain from buying or using luxury cars for their operations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sept. 14, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. emphasized that local execs should be prudent in buying vehicles, especially since the country has not yet recovered from the adverse economic effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dapat po tayong maging halimbawa sa ating mgau nasasakupan sa masinop na paggamit ng pondo ng bayan,” Abalos stressed.
He instead urged local execs to procure vehicles that are cost-effective, fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and at par with improvements and developments, pursuant to the department's Memorandum Circular (MC) 2022-105 issued last August 23.
Under the memo order, local officials are directed to purchase vehicles that use biofuels, flexi-fuel, natural gas, and solar-powered, taking into consideration the sustainability or power supply.
The permitted motor vehicles that are chargeable to LGUs funds are ambulances, patrol, and armored vehicles, fire trucks, and prisoners' vans.
Also allowed are locally assembled, owner or passenger-type jeeps; motorized bancas and motorized boats; vehicles for mass transport; motorcycles and tri-wheel vehicles.
“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,” Abalos reminded.
He also said any acquisition of vehicles that are not under the "approving authority of local chief executives" must seek "prior approval" from the Secretary of Budget and Management, the Office of the President, or the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.
Heavy equipment such as road construction equipment, cargo transport equipment, farm machinery, waste management or environmental sanitation equipment, etc. is also permitted.
Meanwhile, the vehicles that are considered “luxury” by the DILG are as follows:
- car sedan or hatchback with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500 cc, if gasoline-fed or 3,500 cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders
- passenger vans or pick-up type vehicles with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500 cc, if gasoline-fed or 3,000 cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders
- multipurpose vehicles and vans with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500 cc, if gasoline-fed or 2,800 cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders.
- sports cars with an engine displacement exceeding 2,700 cc, if gasoline-fed or 3,000 cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylinders.
Secondhand or reconditioned vehicles except for aircraft and seacraft, regardless of the source of funds and approving authority, are also not allowed.
