As Promised, Luxury Drives Shed From Official Fleet For Filipino Government

MANILA: So, we have got our new president and just like he hinted in May this year, the government officials have to shed the luxury fleet have to accommodate themselves in the mass market AUVs, sedans and hatches now. Rodrigo Duterte seems to bring a revolution in the government system and wants the officials to be more grounded while cutting on the 'luxury budget' from the commutation facilities while implying this decision. During the vowing ceremony, not only the new prez but his entire administration pledged for “more prudent use of public funds” and taking the same promise ahead, the government is taking this step.

The Department of Budget and Management has already released a circular in which it has enquired about the vehicles to be purchased for the new government officials. The new purchase would be for the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC), Local Government Units (LGU) and National Government Agencies (NGA). Also, a clause is added where the new purchase for paramedics, firefighters and police is also asked for approval.

The hatches and sedans for the official purpose are restricted to have not more than 2200 cc gasoline engine and 3000 cc diesel unit. If the MPVs, SUVs, and APVs are used for the purpose, they should not exceed the engine capacity of 2000 cc for petrol and 2800 cc for diesel variants. Department undersecretaries, equivalent ranking NGAs, GOCCs, LGUs and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines get the privilege to choose from SUVs, MPVs, AUVs, hatchbacks, and sedans. The hatches or sedans must not exceed from 1600cc for both gas and diesel options while the MPVs and AUVs are capped at 2000cc for gasoline and 2500cc for diesel drives. So, you may see more Toyota Innova, Toyota Avanza and Hyundai Santa Fe in the government fleet now.

With the classification of engines to be offered in the allowed segments, the government has also mentioned that the cars should be from the mass market section and no luxury brand should be used irrespective of any lucrative offers and discounts from the manufacturer or dealership for bulk orders.

Surely, seems like Duterte believes in saying and implying it without any excuse. We Filipinos are proud to have you, Sir!