Section 70September 19, 1991, Sec./Art. 70

Representation Allowance. – Representation allowance may be granted to chiefs of mission, special envoys, ministers, permanent delegates or representative to international bodies, principal officers, and other ranking diplomatic officers stationed abroad in order to enable such officers to uphold the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines, to represent their country with dignity, distinction and to carry out their functions more effectively.

Representations allowances shall be expended only for purposes which are of a public character, beneficial to the interests of the public service, and connected with the exercise of the functions of the Government in relation to the conduct of foreign affairs. They may be expended for necessary entertainment, charitable contributions, memorials, flowers, gifts, club initiation fee and membership dues, and the like. The officer to whom the allowance is granted may disburse any portion of it to cover necessary entertainment by his subordinates to accomplish certain task assigned to them.

Expenses charged to representation allowance must be supported by proper receipts or vouchers if the individual amount of expenditures exceeds Fifty United States dollars (U.S. $50.00) or its equivalent. Where expenses are incurred for entertainment, the voucher must be accomplished by a statement of the officer concerned or by such proofs as may be shown that the expenses have been made in the public interest.

Should special entertaining be necessary because of formal visits of the Philippine dignitaries traveling on diplomatic or special passports, the Department Head shall be informed in advance thereof and specific request for funds thereforee be made. No such expenses shall be incurred without the prior authorization of the Department Head.

Maximum allowable amounts shall be established for each category of representation allowance in accordance with Section 64, Part A, Title XII of this Act.