Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 401)
Executive Order No. 401 governs the official travel abroad of officials and employees of the government, both national and local, including government-owned or controlled corporations, specifically for travel under the categories of Conferences, Special Missions, and Other Non-Study Trips.
All official travels abroad of Department Secretaries, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and other officials of equivalent rank require the prior approval of the President of the Philippines.
The travel must be urgent and extremely necessary, involve minimum expenditure, and be expected to bring immediate benefit to the country. It includes attending conferences or seminars sponsored by foreign governments or international organizations, attending conferences sponsored by private organizations invited through their governments, conducting examination or investigation of government affairs, and undertaking official missions that cannot be assigned to other officials already abroad.
Officials shall be allowed official transportation of economy class unless otherwise specified in the travel authority.
Clothing allowance varies by rank: $400 for Department Secretaries and equivalent; $400 for Undersecretaries and equivalent; $350 for Assistant Secretaries and equivalent; $350 for Vice-Chairmen and Members of governing boards and equivalent; $300 for Heads of primary units and equivalent; and $300 for all other employees.
Clothing allowance shall not be granted more than once every twenty-four (24) months.
Department Secretaries and officials of equivalent rank are granted a daily allowance and reimbursable hotel room expense of $100 each per day.
Representation expenses may cover necessary entertainment, contributions, flowers, wreaths, and similar expenses absolutely necessary to uphold the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines and to represent the country with dignity, subject to prior approval of the President.
Within thirty (30) days after return, they must submit a report with recommendations on the conference, seminar, or mission to their office head, department head, and the Office of the President. Participation in international conferences must be reported through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs within one month after its closing.
Failure to submit the report shall subject the official or employee to disciplinary action.
Accident insurance premiums may be reimbursed up to a maximum of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) for the duration of the official trip abroad.
No, premiums on insurance of personal or household effects are not chargeable to government funds.
The official or employee shall be entitled to receive only the difference between the host government allowance and the amount prescribed in the Executive Order.
The Secretary of Budget and Management is tasked with issuing rules and regulations to ensure the effective implementation of this Executive Order.
Pertinent provisions of EO No. 129 (1968), EO No. 421 (1973), EO No. 367 (1989) inconsistent with EO No. 401 are repealed, and the Cabinet Resolution of June 11, 1986 concerning allowance rates is revoked.
Within sixty (60) days after return to the Philippines, officials must render an account of cash advances according to applicable rules.
Payment of the salary of an official or employee who fails to comply will be suspended until they comply with the requirements.
Yes, officials posted abroad may avail of allowances prescribed when instructed by their Department Secretaries to travel to other countries within their accreditation or jurisdiction, provided no supplemental budget is requested and prior authority is secured.