INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos yesterday asked local chief executives (LCEs) and local government units (LGUs) to exercise prudence when buying vehicles because the country is still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said governors, mayors, barangay captains, and members of city, provincial and town councils should consider acquiring vehicles that are cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environment-friendly and at par with improvements and developments in the automotive industry and technology.
“We should exercise prudence when choosing vehicles especially since our economy has yet to recover from the ill effects of COVID-19,” Abalos told the LCEs and LGUs.
“We should be role models in our areas on proper spending of public funds,” Abalos added.
He said cars (sedans and hatchbacks) are considered luxury vehicles if their engine displacement exceeds 2,500 cc, if gasoline-fed, and 3,500 cc, if diesel-fed, and with engine exceeding four cylinders.
Passenger vans and pick-ups are also considered luxury vehicles if their engine displacement exceeds 2,500 cc, if gasoline-fed, and 3,000 cc, if diesel-fed, and with engine exceeding four cylinders.
Multipurpose vehicles and cargo vans with an engine displacement exceeding 2,500 cc, if gasoline-fed, and 2,800 cc if diesel-fed, with engine exceeding four cylinders are also considered luxury vehicles.
Sports utility vehicles are considered luxury vehicles when their engine displacement exceeds 2,700 cc, if gasoline feed, and 3,000 cc if diesel-fed with engine exceeding four cylinders.
Abalos said purchase of secondhand or reconditioned vehicles, except for aircraft and seacraft, regardless of the source of funds and approving authority, is also not allowed.
Abalos’ statement is a reiteration of a memorandum circular dated August 23, which was issued “in furtherance” of Presidential Administrative Order No. 14, issued in 2018 by then President Duterte, that prohibits government agencies and LGUs from acquiring and using luxury vehicles for their operations.
