By Dennis Cortes

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has updated its guidelines for the foreign travel authority of local officials.

Under the memorandum circular 2022-134, governors and mayors of highly urbanized cities and independent component cities should have their leaves of absence approved by the Interior secretary. Local officials should also apply for a travel authority and complete all the required documents at least seven working days before the date of departure.

The DILG also said that leaves of absence for private purposes should not exceed 10 consecutive days, except in highly deserving cases that should be explained and justified.

Local officials are prohibited from being absent for 30 days per year.  

The department noted that local chief executives and their presiding officers are discouraged from having simultaneous travel that may hamper the delivery of services in their localities.

The DILG warned that non-compliance with regulations might result in filing appropriate administrative actions, including those for misconduct, insubordination, and other related administrative cases.

The memorandum, signed by Secretary Benjamin Abalos, will take effect on Dec. 1.