MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / May 13, 2014) – Philippine Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison said government officials and employees from the Executive Branch must secure a travel authority before they can be allowed to travel abroad.
He reminded government people who plan to travel abroad to strictly follow the order to avoid delay in the immigration processing on the day of their departure.
Mison stressed that the policy is in accordance with existing laws, as well as administrative issuanc by the office of the President over the past decades.
In 1986, the President Corazon Aquino issued Executive Order No. 6 outlining the procedure in filing request to travel abroad for government personnel.
And also during the administration of President Fidel Ramos, he issued Memorandum Circular No. 18 which clarified the rules and regulations on public servants’ travel abroad.
And in 2005, President Gloria Arroyo likewise issued Executive Order No. 459 which streamlined the procedure and disposition of requests for travel authorization from government employees.
According to the rules, those needing travel authorization from Malacañang are Department Secretaries, officials of equivalent rank, heads of government-owned and controlled corporations and government financing institutions attached to the Office of the President.
Governors and mayors must be permitted and authorized by the Department Of the Interior and Local Government. Heads of state universities and colleges shall secure their travel authorization from the Commission on Higher Education while officials and employees of such institutions shall get their travel permit from their school’s head.
Similarly, officials and employees of other agencies under or attached to the Office of the President must have their travel plans authorized by the head of their respective agencies.
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