Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 495)
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs determines the salary rates for Foreign Service Officers, considering age, qualifications, and experience.
The basic salary of alien clerks or employees is fixed by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the currency of the country of assignment, within available appropriations, based on rank, duties, and prevailing local salary rates.
Allowances include living quarters allowance, overseas allowance, family allowance, post allowance, representation allowance, clothing allowance, education allowance, medical allowance, and relocation allowance.
An overseas allowance may be granted if the cost of living at the foreign post is high, if extraordinary expenses are incurred for establishing residence, or if living conditions are dangerous, notably unhealthful, or excessively adverse.
The Permanent Committee, consisting of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Commissioner of the Budget, and the Governor of the Central Bank, periodically reviews and recommends adjustments in overseas allowances considering foreign currency fluctuations and cost of living while subject to fund availability.
Family allowances are granted to the dependent spouse and up to three unmarried minor legal dependent children living with the officer. Allowance for spouse is not payable if separated, widowed, or if the spouse is gainfully employed.
The living quarters allowance is equal to 50% of the rental value of the quarters if owned by the officer, spouse, or children, certified by the Chief of Mission or Principal Officer and the Administrative Officer under oath.
Yes, representation allowances may be granted to certain ranking officers for expenses related to upholding the prestige of the Philippines, including necessary entertainment, charitable contributions, memorials, gifts, and club memberships, strictly for public service interests.
Foreign Service personnel may be required to subscribe to medical insurance with 75% premium paid by the government. In the absence of such insurance, the government reimburses medical and hospitalization expenses not due to misconduct, including attendant travel expenses, and covers legal dependents living with the officer at the post.