Authority to Purchase Motor Vehicle

1. Vehicle Purchases Under the Authority of the DILG

Only the following types of motor vehicles require DILG approval:

  1. Car (sedan or hatchback) with engine displacement not exceeding 2500cc (gasoline) or 3500cc (diesel), and/or with an engine not exceeding 4 cylinders.
  2. Passenger van or pick-up type vehicle with engine displacement not exceeding 2500cc (gasoline) or 3000cc (diesel), and/or with an engine not exceeding 4 cylinders.
  3. Asian/Crossover Utility Vehicle (AUV/CUV) and Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with engine displacement not exceeding 2500cc (gasoline) or 2800cc (diesel), and an engine not exceeding 4 cylinders.
  4. Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with engine displacement not exceeding 2700cc (gasoline) or 3000cc (diesel), and/or with an engine not exceeding 4 cylinders.

Motor Vehicle Types Under LGU Approval (No DILG Approval Required)

  1. Specific-purpose vehicles (ambulances, patrol vehicles, armored vehicles, prisoners’ vans, fire trucks).
  2. Heavy equipment (road construction, cargo transport, farm machinery, waste management equipment, etc.).
  3. Locally assembled owner-type jeepney (≤1800cc gasoline or ≤2500cc diesel).
  4. Assembled passenger-type vehicle (≤2000cc gasoline or ≤3000cc diesel).
  5. Motorized banca (inboard engine not exceeding 30 horsepower).
  6. Motorized boat (specifications depend on manufacturer, model, intended use, etc.).
  7. Vehicles for mass transport when necessary in the interest of public service.
  8. Motorcycles and tri-wheeled vehicles (starting 200cc; above 200cc subject to DBM guidelines).

2. Checklist of Documentary Requirements for LGUs

For vehicle purchases requiring DILG authority, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Local Chief Executive’s Letter-Request

The letter must state the following:

  • Type of motor vehicle (Car / Passenger Van / Pick-up / AUV / CUV / MPV / SUV).
  • Number of units.
  • Engine displacement (cc).
  • Number of cylinders.
  • Type of fuel (Gasoline / Diesel).
  • Purpose.
  • Deployment (office).
  • Official email address.

Notes:

  • All motor vehicle descriptions must not include brand names.
  • No post-purchase authority shall be issued by the DILG.
  • SUV acquisition must strictly comply with DBM Budget Circular No. 2017-1.

2. Certificate of Availability of Funds

Issued by the Local Accountant or Head of the Accounting Unit, or in his/her absence, the Local Treasurer/Budget Officer.

The certificate must include:

  • Source of fund (indicate year).
  • Amount available.
  • Signature of Accountant / Treasurer / Budget Officer.
  • Appropriation Ordinance/Resolution Number (optional).

3. Certified True Copy of the Appropriation Ordinance

Must include:

  • First page, last two pages, and the page showing relevant appropriations.
  • Highlighted portion of appropriations (optional).

4. Updated Inventory of Existing Motor Vehicles

Must be certified by the Property/Supply Officer and include:

  • Current calendar year annotation.
  • Signature of Property/Supply Officer.
  • Prescribed format (Form A), or any format showing vehicle condition (good, fair, repairable, unserviceable).

Additional Requirements (Depending on Source of Funds)

  • Current Sanggunian Resolution for fund utilization involving trust funds (e.g., DRRM balances, donations, transfers).
  • For loan-funded purchases: certified copy of the loan agreement + Sanggunian Resolution.
  • For PFPR or PhilHealth Capitation Funds: supported by Local Ordinance or Resolution.