Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Friday issued a directive banning all officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from engaging in personal travel abroad while the agency is currently validating projects linked to the multibillion-peso flood control program controversy.
“Approval of all applications for Authority to Travel abroad for personal reasons is hereby temporarily suspended except for personal travel for urgent medical reasons, effective immediately until the end of November 2025 or unless circumstances warrant earlier lifting of the suspension or further extension,” read the one-page memorandum order dated August 29.
According to Bonoan, the order was made in line with the DPWH’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service integrity.
The DPWH chief likewise said the temporary suspension of authority to travel is consistent with the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Omnibus Rules on Leave and relevant issuances.
These recognize that the approval of leaves is subject to the exigencies of the service, travel authority for personal travel is discretionary and not automatic, and the agency has the authority to regulate foreign travel of its employees where public interest, operational requirements, or administrative concerns warrant it.
