Noy tells government executives: Fly economy class

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino, in line with his administration’s austerity measures, has issued a memorandum advising government officials and employees to choose economy class seats when traveling.

“Except for long-haul or flights beyond four hours, airfares shall be limited to restricted economy class,” Aquino’s Memorandum Circular No. 7 stated.

The directive was issued to heads of departments, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions and agencies under the Office of the President.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda downplayed the issuance of the directive, telling reporters that it is part of “using government funds judiciously, so government officials won’t abuse travel privileges.”

The guideline is an offshoot of “travel authority” requests, “entitlements for travel expenses, allowances” that have always been filed on short notice or “barely a few days before the date of departure, or even after departure, with incomplete documentation.”

“This hampers the smooth work flow and results in the clogging of documents in this office,” the order, which was also signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., stated. Requests have also included “tax exemption” for government employees.

According to the memorandum, officials who have speaking engagements abroad will have “no representation allowance,” and in cases of “training or study,” allowances for them “shall in no case exceed $1,000 per travel,” equivalent to P43,000.

The memorandum stated that all officials are to submit to the Malacañang Records Office travel requests with complete documentation at least 10 working days before the departure date, with the destination, duration, purpose and justification clearly spelled out. Facsimile copies or requests will not be processed.”

Aquino also said requests for travel authority, as well as entitlement to travel expenses and allowances, must have supporting documents.

“Request for tax exemption for private individuals, groups, or organizations, shall include supporting documents,” the memorandum stated.

The daily subsistence allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses, shall be based on the United Nations Development Program rate. The DSA rates are specified by UNDP monthly.

Private individuals and consultants are not issued travel authorities and shall not be entitled to government funding when they go abroad, the memorandum stated.

Non-compliance with any of the requirements shall be sufficient ground for denial or non-processing of the requests, according to the directive.

Any official or employee authorized to travel abroad, to attend conferences or training, conduct investigations, or undertake missions, are required to submit a report with recommendations to the head of the agency within one month after returning from the trip, the memorandum stated.