Solon wants increase in gov't travel allowance

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list lawmaker wants to increase the travel allowance of government officials and employees from P800 to P2,000 per day.

ABS party-list Rep. Catalina Leonen-Pizarro this week filed House Resolution 2261, saying government should provide enough 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 as travel allowance, regardless of rank and destination.

"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.

Of this amount, Pizarro said 50 percent shall be allotted to lodging while 30 percent shall be allotted for meals. The remaining 20 percent of the allowance shall cover incidental expenses.

"The travel allowance is also subject to reduction depending on the time of arrival at the place of destination and departure from such destination," Pizarro said.

Pizarro said the present travel allowance was based upon the prevailing market prices during the time it was crafted and does not reflect current economic conditions.

Pizarro said that under the proposed measure, P1,000 should be allocated to lodging, P600 for meals and the remaining P400 would go to incidental expenses.