Law Summary
Purpose and Scope
This Memorandum Circular aims to streamline the process of requesting travel authority and entitlements for government officials traveling abroad. It addresses issues of late submissions and incomplete documentation that have hindered efficient processing by the Office of the President (OP).
• Applies to all heads of departments, government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), and agencies under or attached to the OP.
Submission Requirements
Requests for travel authority must be submitted to the Malacañang Records Office with complete documentation at least ten (10) working days before the scheduled departure.
• Documentation must include:
- Destination(s) and duration of travel
- Purpose(s) and justification(s) for travel • Facsimile requests are not accepted. • Failure to comply may result in denial or non-processing of requests.
Supporting Documentation
Different categories of officials must submit specific supporting documents as detailed in the respective annexes.
• Annex aAa: For Heads of Departments, GOCCs, GFIs, and agencies under OP. • Annex aBa: For Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Directors, and equivalent ranks. • Annex aCa: For tax exemption requests for private individuals, groups, or organizations.
Travel Expense Guidelines
Specific limits and conditions are set for travel expenses and allowances.
• Representation Allowance: Not granted for speaking engagements or training/study, capped at US$1,000.00 per travel. • Airfare: Limited to restricted economy class for flights under four (4) hours. • Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA): Based on United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) rates, updated monthly. • Private individuals/consultants: Not entitled to government funding or travel authorities.
Exceptions and Justifications
In cases where the ten (10) working-day submission requirement cannot be met, a justification must be provided.
• Late submissions without valid reasons may lead to denial of requests.
Reporting Obligations
Officials authorized to travel must submit a report within one (1) month of their return.
• Delegation Reports: Must be submitted to OP through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs within one (1) month after the conference/convention.
Effectivity
This Memorandum Circular is effective immediately upon issuance.
• Issued by: (Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR., Executive Secretary, Manila, November 19, 2010.
Key Takeaways
- Requests for travel authority must be submitted with complete documentation at least ten (10) working days prior to departure.
- Specific supporting documents are required based on the official's category.
- Travel expenses are subject to strict limits, and private individuals/consultants cannot receive government funding for travel.
- Reports must be submitted post-travel to maintain accountability and compliance.
- Non-compliance with submission requirements may lead to the denial of requests.