Law Summary
Coverage and Exemptions
- Covers all contractual personnel hired to perform specific, vital functions beyond the capacity of regular staff.
- Applies only to those whose positions are comparable or equivalent to designated ranks as determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
- Excludes those hired as professional consultants requiring highly specialized or technical expertise.
Rules and Regulations on RATA
- Contractual personnel authorized for RATA based on prescribed rates applicable to specific government officials and employees as outlined in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).
- Positions eligible include various levels ranging from Department Secretary to Chief of Division.
- Allowance is attached to duties and responsibilities performed, not merely to position title.
- Salary grades alone do not grant automatic entitlement to RATA.
- Only personnel actively performing the functions corresponding to their positions qualify.
- Part-time contractual personnel are explicitly excluded from receiving RATA.
Twenty Percent Premium
- Contractual personnel covered may be entitled to an additional 20% premium as provided by the relevant GAA provisions.
Funding Source
- RATA payments charged to project funds for project-based positions.
- Otherwise charged against the current savings of the concerned agency.
Responsibility and Accountability of Agency Head
- The head of the agency is personally liable for any RATA payments made contrary to this Circular.
- Includes accountability for improper payments and potential refund claims against contractual personnel who received excess amounts.
Submission of Uncovered Cases
- Cases not addressed by this Circular must be submitted to the DBM for proper resolution.
Repealing Clause
- All previous circulars, guidelines, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Circular are repealed.
Effectivity
- This Circular became effective on January 1, 1996, as adopted on March 5, 1996.