DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. reminded on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, newly elected local government unit (LGUs) officials about the guidelines in acquiring or using luxury vehicles for their operations.Abalos said provincial governors, city/municipal mayors, punong barangays, and sanggunian members must 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 LGU executives should highly consider vehicles that are cost-effective, fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and at par with improvements and developments in the automotive industry and relevant technology.“Manatili po tayong matipid sa pagpili ng sasakyan lalo na’t hindi pa tayo nakakabangon sa masasamang epekto sa ekonomiya ng pandemya ng Covid-19. Dapat po tayong maging halimbawa sa ating mga nasasakupan sa masinop na paggamit ng pondo ng bayan,” said Abalos.Considered “luxury vehicles” are the following:* 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 utility vehicles with engine displacement exceeding 2,700 cc, if gasoline-fed or 3,000 cc if diesel-fed and/or with an engine exceeding four cylindersAbalos 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.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* 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,” said Abalos.Abalos said that according to guidelines from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), rental of vehicles can be resorted to if the said mode is deemed more economical, expedient, and convenient than outright purchase, such as for ad hoc functions, for the transportation of participants during events and for urgent or emergency cases, among others. (SunStar Philippines)