ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Council is moving to strengthen accountability in the use of government-issued vehicles by launching a legislative inquiry and pushing a proposed ordinance that would impose stricter rules, tougher penalties, and possible criminal liability for misuse of public assets.
The investigation, to be conducted in aid of legislation, comes amid renewed public scrutiny over the use of government vehicles and is expected to pave the way for tighter controls on how city-owned service vehicles are operated and monitored.
The inquiry will be led by the committee on Good Government, Public Accountability and Justice chaired by Councilor Romel Duron, in coordination with the Iloilo City Legal Office and the Public Order and Safety Management Office.
Duron, author of the resolution, stressed that the probe is not aimed at any particular official or employee but seeks to establish stronger safeguards governing government vehicle use.
“This is not centered on a particular person. What we want is to establish clearer guidelines and stronger accountability in the use of government vehicles,” Duron said in an interview.
Alongside the investigation, Duron is advocating for the passage of the proposed “Iloilo City Government Vehicle Accountability and Proper Conduct Ordinance,” which seeks to institutionalize stricter local regulations covering government-owned vehicles.
The proposed measure would require mandatory trip tickets and logbook documentation, define operational boundaries, impose escalating disciplinary sanctions, and establish direct financial liability and possible criminal accountability for the misuse of government property.
Duron said the ordinance would reinforce existing national policies and address gaps in compliance among government personnel.
“Through an ordinance, we can supplement national policies. It should be clear who are authorized to drive government vehicles, what licenses are required, and what responsibilities government personnel must observe,” he added.
The issue resurfaced after separate incidents on May 24 involving city-owned vehicles that were reportedly seen in non-office settings, triggering public discussion on the proper use of government resources.
The proposed investigation and ordinance are expected to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and proper conduct in the management and use of government assets in Iloilo City./PN
