Guidelines for ‘seatbelt fund’ use released by LTO

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued guidelines for the use of the seatbelt fund, which is the money collected in line with the implementation of Republic Act Number 8750, or the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999.

Prompting the release of the guideline is the report from the Commission on Audit after it found “significant lapses in fund utilization.” 

Although it was not specified how the “misappropriated” funds were used, the original intention for the collected resources was for information, education, and communications campaigns in order to attain the objectives of the Act. 

On that note, the below directive for the use of the seatbelt fund was communicated by the land transport bureau: 

• 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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As such, the seatbelt fund can only be used for the implementation of activities that support and promote the Seatbelt Act of 1999. 

In addition, the fund may be used for the training of personnel involved in the enforcement of the Act. Per the agency, things like skills improvement training, as well as the procurement of uniforms and other paraphernalia, are allowed. 

Finally, these can be used to cover the salary of the workforce who will enforce the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999.

Moving forward, the funds are not to be used under the following circumstances: 

• 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

In an age where the Filipino public is more open to discussing and questioning how government funds are used, the disclosure of a strict guideline for the use of the seatbelt fund appears timely. 

Also read: 

LTO to intensify ‘road presence’ in time for holidays

LTO to roll out intensified campaign vs. 'unsafe' vehicles

LTO e-driver's license to boost digitalization thrust

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