RMC No. 86-2019: Publishes the full text of Department Order No. 049-2019 issued by the Secretary of the Department of Finance entitled “Revised Travel Guidelines for Officials and Employees as Contained in the Department of Finance’s Officials and Employees Travel Guide”

Key points

1. Who may travel. DOF officials, heads of DOF-attached bureaus and agencies, and organic employees may be authorized to travel officially. Non-organic employees such as consultants and contract-of-service workers may be authorized in case of necessity, if stipulated in their contract and on written justification, except in highly meritorious circumstances.
2. Applications and personal travel. Applications for official travel are submitted to the DOF at least ten (10) working days before departure, and non-compliance may be a ground for disapproval. Personal travel is allowed if all documentary requirements and procedures are complied with, and management may decline it if it conflicts with a significant official undertaking.
3. Cash advances and reimbursement. No cash advance is granted until the previous cash advance for travel is liquidated or settled under Section 22 of Executive Order (EO) No. 77. No reimbursement is allowed until previous advances are fully liquidated or beyond the fiscal year of travel, and no government-funded foreign travel is allowed for those who have not liquidated previous foreign travel expenses.
4. Group delegations. Travel applications for a group delegation are consolidated, and only one travel authority is issued. The approving authority may disapprove a member who has no key role or if the delegation size would prejudice regular operations.
5. Expense rules. A certification or affidavit of loss does not replace required fare, boarding pass, terminal fee and lodging receipts. Travel expenses do not cover accompanying staff or representation, except as allowed for DOF officials in delegations or missions, and sickness-related extensions are not reimbursed unless the illness was contracted in the course of duty in the field and supported by medical documents.
6. Reports. A Post-Travel Report is submitted within thirty (30) days after returning to the permanent official station. A delegation report on an international conference goes to the President of the Philippines through the department head, copy furnished the Department of Foreign Affairs, not later than thirty (30) days after the closing, and violations lead to disciplinary action.

Who is affected

• DOF officials and heads of DOF-attached bureaus and agencies
• Organic employees of the DOF and attached bureaus and agencies
• Consultants and contract-of-service workers (non-organic employees)

Deadlines and effectivity

• Travel applications at least ten (10) working days before departure
• Post-Travel Report within thirty (30) days after return
• Delegation report not later than thirty (30) days after the closing of the conference