QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9465)
It clarifies and strengthens existing rules on the travel abroad of government officials and employees, particularly to ensure timely submission of requests and completeness of supporting documents, and to correct submission practices for officials whose authority has already been delegated.
Because requests were often filed only a few days before departure, giving the Office of the President insufficient time to evaluate the merit of each request.
At least ten (10) days before the expected date of departure.
Requests must be submitted to the Office of the President for: (a) Department Secretaries; (b) Undersecretaries; (c) Assistant Secretaries; (d) other officials of equivalent rank to (a), (b), and (c); (e) Provincial Governors; and (f) Mayors of highly urbanized or independent component cities.
No. MC No. 18 notes that requests of officials not required to be cleared with the Office of the President (because authority is already delegated) should not still be submitted to that Office.
Heads of government offices—including GOCCs and LGUs—who travel abroad must indicate the officials designated as Acting/Officer-in-Charge of the office for the duration of their trip.
Requests must be accompanied by an itemized expenses breakdown such as fare, per diems, hotel accommodation, and the pre-travel charges indicating the chargeability thereof.
It must not exceed ten (10) days.
The prolonged absence must be properly explained.
Supporting documents are often incomplete or not attached at all.
It takes effect immediately upon adoption on October 27, 1992.
The circular’s stated requirement is at least ten days before departure; submitting earlier or later contrary to the rule undermines the Office of the President’s ability to evaluate the request, and may be treated as non-compliant with the required procedure (subject to administrative consequences under applicable rules).
It reminds agencies and LGUs that officials whose travel approval is already delegated to heads of offices do not need to submit requests to the Office of the President; continued submission in such cases is improper.
Yes. Requests of mayors of highly urbanized cities (and independent component cities) must be submitted to the Office of the President for approval.
It discourages last-minute filing and incomplete documentation, promoting timely, complete, and properly supported requests for approval.