Title
Amendment of EO No. 248 on Gov't Travel Allowances
Law
Executive Order No. 298
Decision Date
Mar 23, 2004
The amendment of Executive Order No. 248 aims to rationalize and make the grant of travel allowances fair and equitable, taking into account the increasing cost of goods and services, with changes to allowable travel expenses, approval process, and entitlements for both local and foreign travels, and it takes effect immediately upon publication.
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Definitions of Travel Expenses and Hotel/Lodging Rates

  • Travel expenses include hotel/lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, excluding transportation to and from destination.
  • Hotel/lodging rate covers daily cost inclusive of taxes and service charges.

Approval Procedures for Official Travels and Travel Expense Payments

  • Travels under 30 days require approval by head of office/bureau.
  • Travels of 30 days or more require approval by Department Secretary or equivalent.
  • Department Secretary's approval substitutes approval from the Secretary of Budget and Management.

Allowable Travel Expenses for Local Travel

  • Daily travel expense is PhP 800, apportioned as:
    • 50% for hotel/lodging
    • 30% for meals
    • 20% for incidental expenses
  • Reimbursement of actual expenses beyond the authorized amount is possible only with agency head certification and receipts.
  • Certification/affidavit of loss cannot replace required bills or receipts.
  • Entitlement begins upon arrival at destination and ceases upon departure, with percentages depending on arrival/departure times:
    • Arrival by 12:00 noon: 100% of daily allowance.
    • Arrival after 12:00 noon: 80% (hotel + dinner + incidental).
    • Departure before 12:00 noon: 30% (breakfast + incidental).
    • Departure at 12:00 noon or later: 40% (breakfast + lunch + incidental).

Travel Expense Claims Within 5-Kilometer Radius

  • Claims allowed only if official stays whole duration at assignment place, supported by bills and receipts.
  • If commuting daily, reimbursement capped at PhP 400 per day covering fare, meals, and incidentals.

Reimbursement of Airport Terminal Fee

  • Authorized for fees at point of embarkation upon completion of official foreign trips.

Transportation During Official Travel

  • Economy class transportation allowed unless host or sponsoring agency provides it or President authorizes otherwise.

Allowances for Foreign Travel

  • Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) based on UNDP Index secured from Department of Foreign Affairs.
  • DSA apportionment:
    • 50% for hotel/lodging
    • 30% for meals
    • 20% for incidental expenses
  • If country not listed, DSA of nearest country applied.
  • Reimbursement for actual expenses exceeding DSA allowed with agency head certification and receipts.
  • Affidavit of loss not acceptable in lieu of receipts.
  • Entitlement percentages on arrival and departure times mirror local travel scheme.
  • DSA equated with per diem under RA No. 7157 (Foreign Service Act of 1991).

Allowances on Assignment or Cross-Posting Abroad

  • Lodging allowances start upon actual arrival at the post.
  • Live quarters allowance not collectible until first day of month following arrival.
  • Lodging allowance based on post classification per EO No. 101 (1993), observing the 50% hotel/lodging apportionment.

Rendition of Account for Cash Advances

  • Accounts must be rendered within 60 days after return from foreign travel, 30 days for local travel.
  • Refunds may be in U.S. dollars or Philippine currency based on prevailing exchange rate, with official proof required.
  • Non-compliance results in suspension of salary until compliance.

Reporting Requirements After Official Travel

  • Officials must submit reports with recommendations within 30 days after return.
  • For international conferences/ conventions, delegation reports must be submitted to the President through the department head with copy to DFA.
  • Individual supplemental reports allowed.

Repeal and Effectivity

  • All inconsistent orders, rules, or regulations repealed or modified.
  • Order takes effect immediately upon signing.

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