Limitations on releasing funds

Gloria P. Nucom

IT can be remembered that late last year, the Department of Education issued Order no 38 series of 2020, or the guidelines authorizing the payment of communication expenses of its personnel relative to the implementation of alternative work arrangements for the year 2020.

Under the said guidelines, the amount which may be reimbursed by a personnel “shall not exceed P300 per month” subject to “submission of pertinent documents for reimbursement.”

The agency acknowledges that the reimbursement of communication expenses to its personnel is not enough, but that it has certain “limitations” when it comes to releasing funds.

The amount of P300 per month was identified based on the cost estimates per available 2020 funds.

In a statement, the department said that inasmuch as it would want to reimburse communication expenses for a higher amount, the department has its limitations, both in the funding cover and legal basis.

The DepEd is asking for the personnel’s understanding as them within the budget.

According to the agency, the payment of communication expenses (mobile and internet) of a personnel under the work from home arrangement covers the period from March 16, 2020 until Dec. 31, 2020.

The DepEd also explained that it cannot release the reimbursement as an “allowance” since there is “no legal basis to release such and as prescribed by oversight” agencies such as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Commission on Audit (COA).

The author is Teacher

--oOo-

it provides what is due

III at Caduang Tete Elementary School, Macabebe,

Pampanga