Question & AnswerQ&A (BUDGET CIRCULAR NO. 2018-1)
The maximum amount authorized for the U/CA per annum for civilian government personnel under the FY 2018 GAA is Six Thousand Pesos (P6,000).
The Circular covers civilian government personnel occupying regular, contractual, or casual positions; appointive or elective; rendering services on a full-time or part-time basis.
Excluded are military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, uniformed personnel of PNP, BFP, BJMP, Philippine Coast Guard, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority personnel, foreign service personnel stationed abroad, barangay officials and employees paid monthly honoraria, and those hired without employer-employee relationships funded from non-Personnel Services appropriations/budgets such as consultants, laborers hired on job contracts, student laborers, and job order service contractors.
The U/CA is granted to defray expenses for uniforms or distinctive clothing required as appropriate attire in the regular performance of work to identify employees with their agencies and convey authority, and to serve as protective or working clothing especially for maintenance, workshop, and farm personnel.
For part-time service, the U/CA is computed in direct proportion to the full-time allowance: (P6,000) x (hours of part-time service per day) divided by 8 hours (full-time service).
U/CA may be granted in the form of: (1) uniforms procured through bidding including uniform articles like caps and belts; (2) textile materials and cash to cover tailoring costs; or (3) cash for executive positions or those procuring their own uniforms under set conditions.
Generally, employees must render at least six (6) months of service in a fiscal year, including paid leaves, to qualify for full rates of U/CA. However, this does not apply to positions requiring uniforms at all times such as Security Guards and medical staff.
No. A newly hired employee may qualify for U/CA only after rendering six (6) months of service and if expected to serve for at least six (6) more months in the same year.
The U/CA of an employee on detail shall be borne by the mother agency where the employee is originally employed.
Yes. Agencies shall issue internal guidelines for modified uniforms as necessary for religious affiliations, creed, physical disabilities, or legitimate health reasons.
Agencies shall be held liable for improper grant of U/CA and employees who received excess payments must refund the undue amounts.
P5,000 per employee is provided under the agency-specific budget as per GAA, and the additional P1,000 per employee is charged against the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund under the FY 2018 GAA.
No. Shoes are generally on the personal account of employees unless specifically provided for by law.
If already granted U/CA by the former agency within the year, the employee is not granted another U/CA by the new agency unless required to wear a uniform at all times and approval is given by the new agency head.
No. An employee on study/training/scholarship grant for the whole year and not required to report for work is not entitled to U/CA.