RATA of governors, mayors only up to P11,000 monthly, says DBM

MANILA, Philippines - The representation and transportation allowances (RATA) of governors, mayors and other government officials should not exceed P11,000 monthly, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 

In a published circular, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the RATA rates will be determined on the basis of the income class of each local government unit.

According to the circular, the governor of a first-class province with a salary grade of 30 is allowed to receive RATA of P11,000; second class, P10,450; third class, P9,900; fourth class, P9,350; fifth class, P8,800; and sixth class, P8,250.

In special cities, Abad said mayors can collect a monthly RATA of P14,000; mayors of highly urbanized cities, P11,000; and mayors of component cities, P10,000.

“For purposes of RATA, leaves are authorized time-off from work, shall not be construed as actual work performance, including special leaves, sick leave, paternity leave, parental leave to single parent, leave for victims of violence against women and children, and 60 days maximum maternity leave,” the circular states.

Abad said government officials and employees, who use government vehicles, are no longer entitled to transportation allowance but only the commutable representation allowance for the month.