Section 44
SEC. 44. Compensation of Contractual Personnel. Heads of departments, bureaus, offices or agencies, when authorized in their respective appropriations as provided in this Act, may hire consultants, experts and other contractual personnel to perform specific vital activities or services which cannot be provided by the regular staff of the agency, limited to such period when their services are reasonably required and to activities that shall have a definite expected output. Such contractual personnel may be paid compensation inclusive of fees, honoraria, per diems compensation and allowances not exceeding 120 percent of the minimum salary of an equivalent position in the National Classification and Compensation Plan, except as may be authorized by the Department of Budget and Management in the following instances: (a) when the consultant or expert is an acknowledged authority in his field of specialization; and (b) where the consultant or expert is hired to perform a specific activity or service that requires technical skill and expertise which local labor force cannot provide, or if such expertise is available, the supply is limited: Provided, That in no case shall such compensation exceed the salary of his immediate superior, except as may be otherwise approved jointly by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Budget and Management.