Question & AnswerQ&A (DBM NATIONAL BUDGET CIRCULAR NO. 456)
The Circular prescribes guidelines concerning the provision of free quarters to certain officials pursuant to Section 42 of R.A. 8172 and subsequent General Appropriations Acts.
It applies to Department Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, Bureau Regional Directors, and Assistant Bureau Regional Directors who are assigned or transferred to a place other than their domicile and do not own houses or rooms therein.
Those covered by RA 7305 (Magna Carta of Public Health Workers), uniformed personnel of DILG, DND and NAMRIA, officials expressly provided free quarters under other laws, and those stationed abroad.
Free quarters means the free use of government-owned or leased lodging (fully furnished) which may include telephone, water and electricity for basic needs.
Yes, heads of agencies can provide free quarters to officials covered by the Circular without the need for DBM approval, subject to the Circular's guidelines.
P3,000 for Category A officials and P2,500 for Category B in special cities like Manila and Quezon City; P2,500 for Category A and P2,000 for Category B in highly urbanized capital centers.
The rental contract is between the agency concerned and the owner of the dwelling unit; payments go to the owner, not the official.
Yes, the rates are inclusive of telephone, water, and electric bills.
Yes, but they must pay the difference between the authorized rental and their chosen quarters.
The funding comes from the released allotment for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and then forms part of the office's yearly contracted rental expenses.
Uncovered cases should be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for resolution.
The Circular took effect on January 1, 1996.