THE DEPARTMENT of Education admitted that the P300 per month communications reimbursement for teachers is not enough but it appealed for understanding saying that its budget is limited.

“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,” Education Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla said.

She said that the P300 per month reimbursement was based on the cost estimates on available funds.

“Also, DepEd cannot release the reimbursement as an allowance approach since there is no legal basis to release such, and as prescribed by oversight agencies such as Department of Budget and Management  and Commission on Audit,” Sevilla said.

The official noted that the DepEd has no authority to give a communication allowance because the Department of Budget and Management has yet to grant authority for it.

“Proceeding to pay as allowance, without submission of liquidation or documentation will be subject to disallowance by COA, hence the release of Department Order 38, series of 2020 which serves as the reimbursement guidelines and procedure, following the regular procedure per budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules in the use of government funds,” Sevilla said.

“We hope for your understanding as we provide what is due our personnel within our budget,” she added.