Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 118)
The official title is the Act Creating the Presidential Commission on Culture and Arts, as stated in Section 1 of Executive Order No. 118.
The Commission is composed of the Minister of Education, Culture and Sports as Chairman; the Deputy Minister for Culture; the Director of the National Historical Institute; the President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines; the Deputy Minister designated by the Minister of Tourism; and a Representative from the Office of the President, as outlined in Section 2.
Its mandate is to formulate and maintain the national policy, support, and dissemination frameworks for culture and the arts, as detailed in Section 3.
Two objectives include fostering a sense of national identity and pride through conservation and promotion of cultural patrimony, and guaranteeing a climate of freedom and support for multicultural and pluralistic growth of all forms of art (Section 3).
Some powers and functions include establishing a secretariat; conducting consultations with cultural groups; coordinating with government and non-government agencies; promulgating rules and policies; authorizing institutional changes; and assisting in resource generation (Section 4).
The three sub-commissions are: Sub-Commission on Cultural Heritage, Sub-Commission on the Arts, and Sub-Commission on Cultural Dissemination (Section 5).
The chairpersons of the fourteen national committees form the National Advisory Board to the Commission, providing advice and coordination (Section 5).
The Chairman prescribes and approves the position structure and staffing within 120 days from approval of the Executive Order, and authorized positions are filled through regular appointments by the Chairman or the President (Section 6).
Notice to or consent of creditors must be obtained prior to implementation if such rights are affected according to existing agreements (Section 8).
No, changes are prohibited unless prior approval of the President is obtained to promote efficiency and effectiveness in public service (Section 9).
An amount of Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00) is authorized from the National Treasury, subject to availability and proper procedures (Section 10).
Any unconstitutional provision will not nullify the remainder of the Executive Order if the remaining provisions can still subsist and be given effect (Section 12).
This Executive Order takes effect immediately upon approval (Section 14).