RMC No. 57-2004: Publishes the full text of Administrative Order No. 103 issued by the President of the Philippines entitled “Directing the Continued Adoption of Austerity Measures in the Government.”

Key points

1. Cost cutting. The national government, its agencies and instrumentalities undertake cost-cutting measures to reduce expenses and channel scarce resources to the 10-Point Legacy Agenda. Government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions and other instrumentalities help reduce the consolidated public sector deficit and public sector debt.
2. Austerity measures. Measures include suspending foreign and local travels, purchase of motor vehicles, paid media advertisements, celebrations, and cultural or sports activities. They also include cutting consumption of fuel, water, office supplies, electricity and other utilities by at least 10%.
3. Overtime and vacancies. A scheme lets employees rendering overtime be compensated through time or days off in lieu of overtime pay. Filling positions vacated by resignation, retirement, dismissal, death or transfer is prohibited, with certain exceptions, until lifted by the President.

Who is affected

• National government agencies and instrumentalities
• Government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions