Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF IMPLEMENTATION NO. 58)
The purpose is to adjust the basic salary and allowances of foreign service personnel in the Department of Foreign Affairs to rationalize the existing system and account for the increased cost of living in most posts abroad.
It refers to P.D. No. 1285 and Executive Order No. 495 that establish and define the foreign service compensation plan for the national government.
The practice of paying the basic salary of officers and employees assigned abroad at the rate of P2.00 to US$1.00 was discontinued.
Salaries are to be paid in Philippine pesos or equivalent foreign currency computed using the prevailing rates established by the Central Bank of the Philippines.
Increases in salary are based on the class and grade to which each official and employee is actually appointed as of December 31, 1977.
The payment of an Overseas Allowance denominated in US dollars is directed to compensate for the financial loss.
The overseas allowance amount for the Chief of Mission, Head of Diplomatic Mission is $119,700.
Yes, existing amounts and conditions of allowances granted to foreign service personnel shall remain in force except as approved by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Commissioner of the Budget.
They, together with the heads of agencies with staff members assigned abroad, shall evaluate the compensation structure and policies for foreign service personnel of agencies other than the Department of Foreign Affairs and recommend transitional measures or changes to the President.
No, no adjustments in basic salary, allowances, and benefits shall be made for such agencies pending approval of the recommendations from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Commissioner of the Budget.