Law Summary
Presidential Approval Requirements
- Official travel abroad by high-ranking officials (Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, and equivalents) for the specified categories requires prior Presidential approval.
Nature and Purpose of Travel
- Travel includes attendance at conferences or seminars sponsored by foreign governments or international organizations where the Philippine Government is involved.
- Includes attendance at conferences/seminars sponsored by private organizations with invitations routed through governments.
- Covers investigative or examination missions relating to Philippine Government agencies or affairs.
- Includes official missions that cannot be assigned to other officials already abroad.
Transportation Provisions
- Economy class airfare to be provided unless transportation is offered by the host or sponsoring entity.
- Exceptions allowed as specified in the travel authority by the Office of the President.
Clothing Allowance Entitlements
- Granted once every 24 months to Home Office personnel, subject to certification of non-receipt in the prior period.
- Partial allowance payable if previous clothing allowance was less than entitled amount.
- Prescribed rates:
- Secretary and Undersecretary: $400
- Assistant Secretary and equivalent: $350
- Other regular personnel: $300
Additional Clothing Allowance
- Clothing allowance under this Order is in addition to uniform/clothing allowances authorized in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Daily Allowance and Hotel Reimbursement
- Daily allowance covers subsistence, incidental transportation, porterage, tips, and tolls.
- Paid only during official trip duration, including travel time (up to 3 days before and after conference unless otherwise specified).
- Hotel expenses reimbursable only with actual bills; affidavits of loss are not accepted.
- In special cases, hotel reimbursement for high-ranking officials may exceed standard limits with Presidential authorization.
- Allowances replace the previous $80/day expense allowance per Executive Order No. 367, s.1989.
- If host government daily allowance is lower, government pays the difference.
- Rates:
- Secretary: $100 daily allowance and hotel limit
- Undersecretary: $90 daily allowance
- Assistant Secretary and equivalents: $80
- Foreign Service Officers: $70
- Other personnel: $50
Representation Expenses
- Reimbursable representation expenses for Philippine delegations may be approved by the President to uphold the nation's prestige and facilitate official functions.
Insurance Coverage
- Accident insurance premiums reimbursed up to P200,000 for the duration of official trips.
- Personal effects and household insurance premiums not chargeable to government funds.
Applicability to Foreign Service Personnel Posted Abroad
- Personnel already posted abroad traveling within or to countries under their jurisdiction receive daily and hotel allowances as per Section 7.
Per Diems in Lieu of Living Quarters Allowance (LQA)
- Applies pursuant to Ministry Order No. 21-85, effective until revised.
- Rates:
- Chief of Mission: $50
- Counsellor, Foreign Service Officer or designated officer-in-charge: $40
- Foreign Service Officer: $35
- Other personnel: $30
Reporting Requirements
- Home Office personnel must submit a report with recommendations within 30 days after return from official travel.
- Copies to head of office, Secretary, and Office of the President.
- Non-compliance subject to disciplinary action.
Cash Advance Liquidation
- Cash advances must be liquidated within 60 calendar days after return.
- Salary payments are suspended for non-compliance until liquidation is made.
Repealing Clause
- Revokes or amends inconsistent orders or circulars, specifically Department Order No. 14-87 dated 25 September 1987.
Effectivity
- The Order took effect immediately upon adoption on 11 December 1990 by Secretary Raul S. Manglapus.