Gov’t workers to get increase in their travel allowance

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The travel allowance of government officials and employees will soon be increased from P800 to P2000.
“The present travel allowance was based upon the prevailing market prices during the time it was crafted and does not truly reflect the current fiscal situation of the economy,” said Rep. Catalina G. Leonen-Pizarro (Partylist ABS).
“The prices of basic commodities in 2004 have changed, and the real value of the amount of travel expenses worth P800 is not the same as it is today,” Pizarro said.
Pizarro, author of House Resolution 2261, said it is the responsibility of the government to provide travel allowance to its officials and employees in fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities.
Under Executive Order 298 government officials and employees are given P800 travel allowance regardless of rank and destination.
Pizarro said under the law 50 percent of the travel allowance shall be allotted to hotel and lodging while 30 percent shall be allotted for meals.
Pizarro said 20 percent of the P800 travel allowance should be allotted for incidental expenses.
Pizarro said the increase in travel allowance shall be allocated to hotel and lodging, P600 for meals and P400 for incidental expenses.
Pizarro said the travel allowance is also subject to reduction depending on the time of arrival at the place of destination and departure from such destination.