Senate President Tito Sotto clarified on Friday that senators and Senate personnel are not required to obtain a travel authority for personal trips.
His statement came after reports surfaced that Ombudsman Boying Remulla preferred he deny travel authority to Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
“Members of the Senate and officials of the legislative department ARE NOT REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A TRAVEL AUTHORITY FOR PERSONAL TRAVEL,” Sotto said.
He cited Senate Policy Order No. 2016-003, which provides that only official travel needs the Senate President’s approval. Sotto also noted that Bureau of Immigration Letter Directive No.
JHM 2016-040 reiterates that the requirements under Executive Order No. 459 do not apply to officials of the legislative and judicial branches, as well as constitutional bodies.
“Accordingly, the requirement of travel authority to travel abroad by its official and employees shall be governed by their respective rules on the matter. Courts must be aware of these policies as the requirements of EO 459, requiring travel authority, does not also apply to members of the Judiciary,” he added.
Senator Estrada is among those linked to the alleged anomalous flood control projects.