Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) – Administrative and financial functions over projects were stripped off from some agencies under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in line with good governance.
A Department Order dated Feb. 28 showed that the DOTr removed several functions from the MRT-3, DOTr Regional Offices in Cordillera Autonomous Region and CARAGA, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Philippine Railways Institute.
“We at DOTr will craft policies and procedures to implement good governance practices which will improve delivery of services to the public,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a mobile message.
The order, entitled “Delegation and Delineation of Authorities in the DOTr Central office and its Sectoral Project Management Offices,” identified the scope and limitations in all administrative matters, as well as procurement processes for programs, activities, and projects; disbursement and fund under the General Appropriations Act; and approval of other matters concerning the said offices.
The units must secure the go signal of the undersecretary concerned for approved budgets of contracts of up to ₱50 million.
Meanwhile, transactions, such as advance payment for contracts above ₱50 million must have the approval of the secretary.
The order also limits the administrative duties of attached offices.
Authority to engage job orders and contracts of service workers, as well as appointment and/or contracts, renewal, notice of termination, approval of expiration of contracts, acceptance of resignation, and dropping from the rolls, have been passed on to the undersecretary for administration and finance.
The document, signed by Bautista, said the order was meant “to ensure an efficient and effective flow of operations, harmonize responsibilities, and enhance work efficiency in the department….”
