DepEd issues new guidelines for communication expenses; sets monthly limits for officials, personnel

DepEd issues new guidelines for communication expenses; sets monthly limits for officials, personnel

PASIG CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has released DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025, providing comprehensive guidelines for the payment of communication expenses for its officials and employees. The policy, signed by the Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan, takes effect retroactively from January 1, 2025.

The order aims to modernize and rationalize the provision of postpaid lines and prepaid loads, recognizing that digital and telecommunications tools are "integral to the effective performance of official functions."

Revised Monthly Ceilings

The new policy establishes tiered monthly ceilings for communication reimbursements across governance levels:

Central Office

• Secretary: ₱8,000.00

▪︎ Undersecretary / Assistant Secretary: ₱5,000.00

• Director IV: ₱3,000.00

• Director III / Head Executive Assistant: ₱2,500.00

• Division Chief: ₱2,000.00

Regional and Schools Division Offices (SDO)

• Regional Director / Schools Division Superintendent: ₱2,500.00

• Assistant Regional Director / ASDS / Division Chief: ₱2,000.00

• School Head / Principal: ₱1,000.00

• Education Program Supervisor / District Supervisor: ₱800.00

For other authorized staff at the Regional or Division level, the allowable expense shall not exceed ₱1,500.00 per month.

Strict Compliance and "Actual Work" Rule

A key feature of the new order is pro-rated reimbursement based on actual work performed. Personnel cannot claim the full amount if they have not rendered the required number of working days in a month:

• 1 to 5 days: 25% of the monthly ceiling

• 6 to 11 days: 50% of the monthly ceiling

• 12 to 16 days: 75% of the monthly ceiling

• 17 days or more: 100% of the monthly ceiling

Accountability Measures

To ensure the judicious use of government funds, the order outlines several strict requirements:

• Single Number Registration: Employees must register a single mobile number with their Administrative Service to be used for all official claims.

• Self-Certification: Claims must be supported by a self-certification stating that the expenses were official and necessary, accompanied by a Daily Time Record (DTR).

• Exclusions: Personnel under Contract of Service (COS) or Job Order (JO) status are explicitly prohibited from availing of these reimbursements.

• No Duplication: The order emphasizes avoiding "duplication of similar or related expenses," particularly for those engaged in projects with separate funding.

December 23, 2025 DO 036, s. 2025 – Guidelines on the Payment of Communication Expenses for Officials and Employees of the Department of Education - DOWNLOAD