Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has called for the submission of more data and paper work to justify overseas trips, a senior official said.
When applying for overseas travel, government officials and personnel of the executive department must show satisfactory explanation of the following: “the purpose of the trip is strictly within the mandate of the requesting government official or personnel; the projected expenses for the trip are not excessive; and the trip must bring substantial benefit to the country,” according to a memorandum that was released by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday.
Government officials or personnel will not be allowed to depart for any travel abroad without the appropriate authorisation from their agencies — even for a personal trip, said Medialdea.
Agency heads authorised to approve travels abroad are required to submit to the Office of the President a list of all travel authorities issued at the end of every quarter, including pertinent details of the overseas trips, said Medialdea.
At the same time, those who were allowed to travel were required to submit reports on the conferences or seminars they attended; examinations, investigations, or missions they have joined within 30 days after their return, said Medialdea.
Filipino delegations that represent the country at international conferences or conventions were told to submit a report to the Foreign Affairs Secretary 30 days after the event’s closing, said Medialdea.
Non-compliance of directives “may result in the filing of administrative actions for misconduct, insubordination and other related offenses wider the Civil Service Commission Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and/or relevant laws, rules and regulations against the travelling official/personnel,” said Medialeda, adding a neglectful government official who was allowed to travel could also drag down the official who has endorsed his or her overseas travel.
Earlier, Duterte threatened to cut down executive department workers’ overseas travel.
He has sacked several government officials due to alleged corruption and expensive lifestyles, and has asked government official to be thrifty in using peoples’ money.
