Malacanang announced on Wednesday a directive concerning all foreign travels of all government officials and personnel in the executive department.
In a memorandum, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said foreign trips of government officials and personnel would be allowed “if the purpose of the trip is strictly within the mandate; the projected expenses for the trip are not excessive; and to bring substantial benefit to the country.”
“To ensure compliance with the pronouncements of the President against extravagant and lavish travels abroad of government officials and personnel,” Medialdea stated.
The memo also instructs officials not be allowed to depart from any travel abroad, even without cost to the government unless they have accomplished the necessary leave forms and is authorized by the agency.
Meanwhile, all heads shall submit a list of all travel authorities they have issued at the end of every quarter to the Office of the President through the Executive Secretary.
In the report, it should indicate the name of the official or employee, destination, duration of the trip, nature and purpose of the travel, total cost of travel for official trips, and a brief statement explaining how each official trip complies with the minimum criteria stated in the order.
“Failure to comply with the above directives may result in the filling of administrative actions for misconduct, insubordination and other related offenses under the Civil Service Commission Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and/or relevant laws and regulations against the travelling official/personnel, as well as the official who approved or failed to submit the list required herein,” Medialdea said.
It can be remembered that Duterte threatened to cut down the overseas travel of the executive department employees. He also dismissed some government officials for their numerous trips outside the country. (Tina Joyce Laceda – PTV)
