Definitions and Conditions for Subsistence Allowance
- Subsistence means the provision of meals or cash equivalent for meals.
- Allowed only if appropriations are specifically provided for the subsistence.
- Provision covers situations where mess halls are absent or inadequate.
Rationale for Increase
- Current rates found insufficient due to inflation and rising commodity prices.
- Existing allowance for Armed Forces personnel increased from ₱12.00 to ₱18.00 per day by Executive Order No. 257.
- Need for rationalizing and standardizing subsistence allowance rates across covered officials and employees.
Legal Basis for Authority and Approval
- Section 5 of Presidential Decree No. 1597 requires that any allowance, honoraria or fringe benefit for government employees must have Presidential approval upon Budget Secretary recommendation.
New Rates
- Daily subsistence allowance increased to ₱18.00 per day.
- Equivalent to ₱6.00 per meal assuming three meals per day.
Implementation
- Effective not earlier than calendar year 1989, dependent on fund availability or savings in the 1989 budget of respective agencies.
- Department of Budget and Management tasked with issuing implementing guidelines.
Summary of Procedures and Responsibilities
- Department heads approve subsistence requests where mess halls are inadequate.
- Allowances chargeable to appropriate budget lines for supplies and materials.
- Agencies must manage fund availability for implementing rate increase.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Not explicitly stated in the order.
- Compliance implied through budgetary controls and administrative supervision.
Important Legal Concepts
- Subsistence allowance is a form of government employee welfare benefit.
- Must be budgeted and approved within legal frameworks.
- Rate adjustments respond to economic changes impacting cost of living.
- Coordination between departments (Budget and agencies) essential for proper implementation.