Lawmaker wants to increase travel allowance of gov’t workers

A party-list representative has filed a bill seeking to increase the travel allowance of government workers from P800 to P2,000.

In a statement, Arts, Business and Science Professionals (ABS) party-list Rep. Catalina Leonen-Pizarro filed Resolution 2261, which states that it is the state’s responsibility to provide travel allowance to its officials and employees in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities.

In the resolution, Pizarro said that of the increased allowance, at least P1,000 would go to lodging and P600 to meals. The remaining P400 would 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Pizarro said the current Executive Order 298 which mandates travel allowance is already outdated and does not reflect the current fiscal situation of the country.

“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.