Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 125-A)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 125-A is to amend Executive Order No. 125 by clarifying and modifying the structural and functional organization of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to ensure compliance with its mandate and achieve its objectives.
Under Section 5, the DOTC formulates national policies for integrated transportation and communication systems, administers programs, enforces laws, coordinates infrastructure projects, operates the postal system, issues certificates of public convenience, accredits foreign aircraft manufacturers, regulates telecommunications, and performs other duties assigned by law or the President.
The Secretary is assisted by four Undersecretaries who are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
There are eight Assistant Secretaries appointed by the President upon the Secretary’s recommendation. They oversee four staff offices (Administrative and Legal Affairs, Finance and Comptrollership, Planning and Project Development, Management Information Service and Project Management) and four line offices (Land Transportation, Postal Services, Telecommunications, Air Transportation). Each service is headed by a service chief.
Functions such as implementing laws, policies, plans, providing effective service, coordinating with other agencies and local government units, and performing other functions provided by law are transferred to the Department Regional Offices for Land Transportation, Telecommunications, and Postal Services.
The Land Transportation Commission and PNL Leasing, Inc. were abolished with their functions transferred to the Department. National Aero Manufacturing, Inc., and Philippine Aero Systems, Inc. were abolished. The Civil Aeronautics Board was transferred as an attached agency. The Maritime Training Council’s function of issuing seamen certificates was transferred to the Maritime Industry Authority.
The Maritime Industry Authority develops policies for the maritime industry, regulates shipping operations, issues certificates and licenses, enforces maritime laws, deputizes law enforcement, accredits marine surveyors, issues seamen’s discharge books, and performs other related functions.
Presidential Decree No. 890, Letter of Instruction Nos. 263 and 371, Executive Order No. 1011 dated March 20, 1985, and all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with EO No. 125-A are repealed or modified accordingly.
The Secretary of Transportation and Communications has the authority to approve and prescribe the position structure and staffing pattern pursuant to Section 16 of EO No. 125-A.
They head the Department Regional Offices and assist respectively in implementing laws, policies, providing services, coordinating with other agencies and local government, ensuring effective delivery of front line services within their regions.