Question & AnswerQ&A (DBM CORPORATE BUDGET CIRCULAR NO. 18)
The purpose of this Circular is to amend the rates of Representation and Transportation Allowances (RATA) of officials in Local Water Districts (LWDs), providing guidelines consistent with the rates authorized under the General Provisions of the FY 2000 General Appropriations Act (GAA), RA No. 8760, and subsequent years.
The officials eligible for RATA increase are the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Department Manager, and Division Manager of Local Water Districts.
The LWD officials in cities or municipalities are equated to national government officials entitled to RATA under the annual GAA, and their maximum monthly rates are determined accordingly as shown in Annex "A" of the Circular.
In cases of insufficient funds, LWD officials may be granted RATA rates at a uniform percentage of the national RATA rates.
Yes, an official or employee designated as Officer-in-Charge may collect the RATA authorized for that position if stated in their order of designation. If they are also entitled to RATA in their regular position, they may only collect the difference between the two positions' RATA.
No, transportation allowance is not granted to officials who use government motor transportation in performing their duties. However, if the assigned vehicle is under repair for at least one week, the official may collect the corresponding proportion of the monthly transportation allowance.
Funding requirements for RATA adjustments must be within 75% of revenue from operations, net of the required subsidy for loan amortization.
The Governing Boards of LWDs are responsible and personally liable for any non-compliant payment of RATA, with the possibility of refunding excess payments by the official concerned.
Cases not covered by the Circular should be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for appropriate action or resolution.
The Circular took effect on January 1, 2000.