LTO releases guidelines for utilization of ‘seatbelt fund’

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office has issued some guidelines for the utilization of the seatbelt fund. 

For those unaware, the so-called seatbelt fund is the money collected from those who have been found in violation of the Republic Act Number 8750, otherwise known as the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999. 

Section 13 of the said Act mandates that these funds be used for information, education, and communications campaigns in order to attain the objectives of the Act. 

However, the Commission on Audit found “significant lapses in fund utilization,” which prompted involved agencies to take action. 

Here are some of the items in the updated guideline: 

Funds are to be used solely for the implementation of activities that support and promote the effective enforcement of the Act, such as: 

• Conducting seminars and the coverage of expenses like meals, materials, and logistics involved in the orientation
• Production of materials promoting seatbelt use
• Use of digital media for public awareness 
• Development of short films, infographics, public service announcements 

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Likewise, the funds can also be used for the training of personnel who will enforce the Act. As such, it will cover the development of materials used for skill improvement. 

In addition, the fund may also be used for the production of uniforms and other paraphernalia to be used for improved implementation of the Act. 

Finally, these can be used to cover the salary of the workforce used for the enforcement of the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999. 

It is, however, explicitly stated that the funds are not to be spent for the following: 

• Projects that do not align with the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999
• Proposed projects not supported by a Project Proposal duly approved by the Assistant Secretary 
• Training that is not approved by the Assistant Secretary 
• Procurement not following Republic Act Number 12009 (New Government Procurement Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations

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