Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 377)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 377 is to amend Section 4 of Executive Order No. 389 dated December 23, 1950, which reorganizes the Armed Forces of the Philippines by creating a General Military Council.
The General Military Council is composed of the Secretary of National Defense as Chairman, the Undersecretary of National Defense, the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff as Secretary, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, the Chief of Constabulary, the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force and Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Air Force, and the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy.
The Secretary of National Defense acts as the Chairman of the General Military Council.
The Deputy Chief of Staff serves as the Secretary of the General Military Council.
The General Military Council is mandated to advise the Secretary of National Defense on broad military policy and on other military matters as the Secretary of National Defense may direct.
The General Military Council is required to meet at least once a month upon the call of the Chairman.
Executive Order No. 389 dated December 23, 1950, originally created the General Military Council.
The General Military Council advises on such military matters as the Secretary of National Defense may direct, implying the Secretary has discretion over the matters for advice.
No, the amendment lists the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force and the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Air Force together, suggesting it could be the same position or two closely related roles represented in the Council.
Carlos P. Garcia signed Executive Order No. 377 as President of the Philippines.