DepEd unable to raise reimbursement of personnel's expenses on communication

On Wednesday, January 13, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that they could not heed the appeal to increase the P300 reimbursement for communication expenses  because of limited funding and a lack of legal basis.

Last November, DepEd released an order allowing DepEd personnel to claim a reimbursement worth P300 per month for communication expenses incurred from March to December 2020. 

DepEd admits that the P300 per month was not enough to repay the communication expenses of educators under the alternative working arrangement. 

In as much as the Department would want to reimburse their communication expenses for a higher amount, the Department has its limitations, both in the funding cover and legal basis,

the DepEd said. 

The amount of P300 per month was identified based on the cost estimates per available 2020 funds,

it explained. 

Also, the department could not release the reimbursement as an allowance due to a lack of legal basis. 

READ: Teachers’ group asked DepEd for swift release of delayed benefits and communication expenses of teachers

The department's request to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to give a communication allowance to its personnel remains unanswered, the agency said. 

We hope for your understanding as we provide what is due our personnel within our budget,

it added. 

This statement from DepEd was in reply to several complaints from teachers over their meager compensation on their communication expenses for online classes and the tedious process of getting a refund.