GOVERNMENT employees, including personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), are now required to secure an Authority to Travel Abroad even for personal trips such as vacations or family matters.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the policy is in line with the Civil Service Commission’s Omnibus Rules on Leave and related issuances, which give agencies the discretion to regulate personal travel once public interest is at stake.
The announcement comes as the DPWH faces controversy over alleged corruption in several flood control projects.
A Batangas lawmaker recently revealed that contracts for these projects were awarded without actual bidding, allegedly involving DPWH employees, contractors, and influential lawmakers.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson also disclosed supposed collusion between DPWH insiders, contractors, and a congressman to facilitate questionable projects.
He urged the department to conduct an internal audit to fully uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities.