RATA Guidelines for National Gov't Officials

Applies to national government officials and employees under Service Code 18 of the DBM Index, except specific excluded positions (President, Vice-President, Lupon members/chairman, Local Executives Group).
Includes chiefs of division as listed in the Personal Services Itemization.
Covers positions determined by DBM to be of equivalent rank to those enumerated.
Includes Officers-in-Charge designated for full-time duties of covered positions for one month or more.

RATA may be commutable or reimbursable.
Rates prescribed according to official ranks (e.g., Department Secretaries receive P2,500, Under Secretaries P1,700, etc.).
Payment based on actual performance of duties, not automatically granted based on salary grade or position title alone.

Officials/employees on full-time detail or assignment in another unit or agency for one month or more generally forfeit RATA unless duties performed are comparable; then RATA may continue on reimbursable basis subject to fund availability.
RATA is not paid during vacation, sick, or maternity leave of one month or more.
Continuance of RATA may be allowed for attendance at authorized training, seminars, or similar activities deemed equivalent to official duties, subject to fund availability.

Officers-in-Charge of positions entitled to commutable RATA may receive corresponding allowance if specified in designation order.
If the Officer-in-Charge holds another position already entitled to RATA, may only collect the difference between the two allowances.
RATA is voided during details, training, or leaves lasting one month or more.

RATA payments (commutable or reimbursable) come from appropriated funds and personal services savings of the agency or project paying the official's salary.
Officials/employees cannot collect RATA from multiple sources.

Agency heads are personally liable for RATA payments not conforming to the Circular's provisions.
Officials/employees must refund any excess RATA payments.

Cases not covered by the Circular should be submitted to the DBM for resolution.

Existing circulars, guidelines, and rules inconsistent with this Circular are repealed.