Law Summary
Scope and Exemptions
- Applies to all members of collegial bodies subject to RA No. 6758 or Salary Standardization Law and SUC Board of Regents/Trustees.
- Exclusions:
- Department Secretaries, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries in ex-officio positions in collegial bodies (per SC ruling in Civil Liberties Union vs. Executive Secretary).
- Members who are regularly appointed and already receiving salaries and other compensations for the collegial body positions.
Definitions
- Collegial Body: Government entity with members appointed by the President, consisting of public/private sector representatives, with tenure and numbers set by law.
- Per Diem: Amount granted to chairpersons and members of collegial bodies for attendance at board meetings where quorum is present.
- State Universities and Colleges (SUCs): Public higher education institutions established by law with independent Boards of Regents/Trustees.
Per Diem Rates and Limitations
For Collegial Bodies:
- Chairpersons: Up to 25% of the monthly RATA (Representation and Transportation Allowance) of the chief operating officer per meeting attended.
- Members: Up to 25% of the monthly RATA of the second-ranking official per meeting attended.
- Maximum of 4 paid meetings per month for both chairs and members.
For Boards of Regents/Trustees of SUCs:
- Chairpersons and Members: Up to 25% of the monthly RATA of the SUC Vice-President per meeting attended.
- Maximum of 4 paid meetings per month.
Restrictions on Additional Benefits
- No entitlement to higher per diem rates, additional benefits, or reimbursements unless specifically authorized by law or Presidential issuance.
- Board Secretaries receiving salaries covering meeting attendance are not entitled to per diems.
Funding Sources
- National Government Agencies and SUCs:
- Per diems charged against appropriations in the General Appropriations Act.
- Any shortfall charged against savings.
- Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations and Government Financial Institutions:
- Charges against their respective corporate funds.
Responsibilities
- Chief operating officers of collegial bodies and SUC Presidents must ensure per diem payments comply with the Circular.
- They are liable for payments made in violation and may require refund of excess payments from recipients.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Issues not covered in the Circular to be referred to the Secretary of Budget and Management for resolution.
- Repeal or modification of all conflicting previous rules or authorizations.
- Circular effectivity: Fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.