MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ Memorandum Order No. 26, October 7, 1998 ]
CONSTITUTING THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (O.P.-EXCOM) FOR FOREIGN VISITS OF THE PRESIDENT
WHEREAS, there is a need to ensure stability and continuity in the country during foreign visits of the President;
WHEREAS, the President can continue to have direct control and supervision over the administration of government, especially with the availability of modern communication systems;
WHEREAS, the Vice-President is designated to act for and on behalf of the President in his absence, subject to the clearance of the President;
WHEREAS, there is a need to constitute a high level body composed of senior officials to assist the President and the Vice-President in the day-to-day supervision of the country;
WHEREAS, there is a need for the President to be informed of all issues and developments in the country, especially in critical areas, and that actions are undertaken immediately in problem areas;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby constitute the Office of the President Executive Committee or O.P.-EXCOM to be activated during all foreign visits of the President.
Section 1. O.P.-EXCOM STRUCTURE. The O.P.-EXCOM shall be Chaired by the Executive Secretary with the National Security Adviser as Vice-Chair, and the following agencies as members: the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of National Defense (DND), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).
Section 2. FUNCTIONS. The O.P.-EXCOM shall have the following functions:
a. Provide timely information to the President on evolving critical issues and developments during the period through the regular submission of monitoring reports;
b. Provide feedback system among and between agencies and the Office of the President in carrying out the Presidents directives while abroad;
c. Provide a channel of coordination and collaboration in the management of government affairs during the Presidents absence;
d. Conduct regular meetings to assess the national situation;
e. Undertake necessary actions to address emerging and prevailing issues, subject to the guidance and instructions of the President; and
f. Undertake other activities that may be directed by the President.
The O.P.-EXCOM shall regularly coordinate and submit reports to the Vice-President.
The O.P.-EXCOM shall be based at the Malacaņang Palace (The Office of the President or TOP). Each member of the O.P.-EXCOM shall be designated as Duty Officer and will hold office at the TOP on a 12-hour rotation basis until the return of the President.
Section 3. SECRETARIAT. The PMS shall act as Secretariat of the O.P.-EXCOM.
Section 4. MONITORING SYSTEM. The O.P.-EXCOM shall be supported by the following monitoring bodies:
a. National Security Monitoring Center (NSMC). The NSMC, formerly the Task Force Lily in O.P., created under MO 16 (dated 24 August 1998) and based at the National Security Council, shall serve as the monitoring arm of the O.P.-EXCOM. The NSMC shall operate on a 24-hour basis, and shall be responsible for monitoring critical developments in all sectors and areas of the country, and for preparing the daily reports to the President, through the O.P.-EXCOM.
b. Counterpart Monitoring Centers (CMCs). All line departments, regular agencies, and government-owned/and-controlled corporations shall establish Counterpart Monitoring Centers (CMCs) in their respective offices for the duration of the State visit. The CMCs shall function on a 24-hour basis and shall provide monitoring reports to the NSMC. They shall also provide other support services as required by the O.P.-EXCOM.
c. Regional Monitoring Centers. The DILG/PNP shall constitute regional monitoring centers nationwide composed of representatives from all regional offices and shall provide monitoring reports to the NSMC.
All agencies are directed to support and provide the necessary assistance to the O.P.-EXCOM.1aшphi1
Section 5. CLEARINGHOUSE. Any and all acts of the Vice-President on behalf of the President in his absence shall be approved and cleared by the President through the O.P.-EXCOM.
All other reports for the President and the Vice-President from departments, agencies, government-owned/and-controlled corporations, and other entities shall be coursed through the O.P.-EXCOM Secretariat which shall also serve as the clearinghouse therefor.
Section 5. ACTIVATION. The O.P.-EXCOM shall automatically be activated during the Presidents foreign visits.
Section 6. FUNDING SUPPORT. The Office of the President will provide the necessary funding for the regular operations of the O.P.-EXCOM.
Section 7. OPERATING GUIDELINES. The Executive Secretary shall issue the necessary operating guidelines to implement this Order.
Section 8. EFFECTIVITY. This memorandum shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 7th day of October, in the day of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and ninety eight.
(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
By the President:
(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary
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