In a significant administrative shift, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) the authority to delegate approval of foreign travel requests from local government officials to designated representatives. This change aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Enhancing Efficiency in Local Government Travel Requests
There is a need to refine approval processes to ensure responsiveness amid contemporary government realities, strengthen government systems and improve bureaucratic efficiency, while also maintaining sufficient oversight and supervision over local governments.
Administrative Order 47
- Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Administrative Order 47 to amend AO 267 of 1992.
- The change is in response to the growing number of travel requests from local officials.
The recent administrative order addresses the challenges posed by the increasing volume of travel applications, facilitating quicker processing. Under the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160), local officials must secure approval from the Office of the President for travel extending beyond three months or involving public funds.
Previously, the DILG Secretary held the authority to approve these requests. The latest amendment allows for further delegation, which is expected to expedite the process significantly.