Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 563)
Executive Order No. 563 amends Executive Order No. 129, which provides rules and regulations governing official travel abroad of officers and employees of the Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations.
All official travels abroad, other than those specifically exempted, require the approval of the President of the Philippines.
Heads of departments and chiefs of bureaus, offices, and agencies are enjoined to recommend only those trips that are urgent, extremely necessary, involve minimum expenditure, and are expected to bring immediate benefit to the country.
The permissible purposes include attending conferences or seminars sponsored by foreign governments or international governmental organizations, attending conferences sponsored by private organizations with invitations sent through their governments, conducting examinations or investigations of Philippine Government agencies or affairs, and undertaking other official missions that cannot be assigned to officials already abroad.
The Minister can authorize travels without the President's prior approval if the travel involves assuming duties at a foreign service post pursuant to an approved Assignment Order, conducting investigations involving Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees, or attending conferences or seminars sponsored by foreign governments or international organizations that do not require the presentation of Full Powers of the President.
It refers to the formal capacity or authorization given by the President allowing a delegation or representative to fully represent the Philippines at an international conference or meeting which impacts official travel regulations.
Yes, travels made prior to the effectivity of this Order that could be authorized under the amended provisions shall be deemed duly authorized provided they were made upon written instructions issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
All orders, rules, and regulations or parts inconsistent with Executive Order No. 563 are repealed or modified accordingly.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs is authorized to direct and authorize official travels abroad of officers and employees of the Foreign Service already abroad, can approve certain travels without the President’s prior approval, and issues written instructions for such travels.