Question & AnswerQ&A (DFA DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 28-90)
The legal basis is Executive Order No. 401, signed by the President on 26 April 1990, which governs official travel abroad of officials and employees of the government including government-owned or controlled corporations for travels categorized under Conference, Special Missions, and Other Non-Study Trips.
The official travel abroad of the Secretary, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and other officials of equivalent rank under the categories of Conferences, Special Missions, and Other Non-Study Trips must be approved by the President prior to the travel.
Travels include attending conferences or seminars sponsored by foreign governments or international organizations, attending conferences or seminars sponsored by private organizations through government invitations, conducting examinations or investigations of Philippine government affairs, and undertaking official missions that cannot be assigned to other officials already abroad.
Economy class plane tickets shall be provided unless otherwise specified by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President.
Clothing allowance may be granted once every 24 months, with the following rates: Secretary and Undersecretary $400, Assistant Secretary and similar ranks $350, and all other regular personnel $300.
Yes, the clothing allowance provided under this Order is in addition to the uniform and clothing allowance authorized for Home Office personnel in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The daily allowance and hotel room rates are as follows: Secretary $100, Undersecretary $90, Assistant Secretary and similar ranks $80, Foreign Service Officer $70, and all other regular personnel $50.
Representation expenses may be reimbursed if they are absolutely necessary to uphold the prestige of the Republic, represent the country with dignity, and are approved by the President prior to the travel.
Reimbursement of accident insurance premiums shall not exceed P200,000 for the duration of the official trip abroad.
Yes, personnel posted abroad who travel outside their post of assignment or to countries of accreditation are entitled to the daily allowance and reimbursable hotel room rates set forth in Section 7 of the Order.
They must submit a report with appropriate recommendations within 30 days after return to the head of the office, and furnish the Secretary and the Office of the President with a copy of the report.
Payment of salary shall be suspended until the personnel liquidates the cash advance within 60 calendar days after return.
It revokes or amends any order inconsistent with it, particularly Department Order No. 14-87 dated 25 September 1987, which embodied the Cabinet Resolution of 11 June 1986.