Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 115-A)
The main purpose of Memorandum Order No. 115-A is to amend Memorandum Order No. 115, s. 2003, to include the Secretary of National Defense as a member of the National Committee responsible for the state visit of President George W. Bush of the United States.
The Honorable Eduardo R. Ermita, Secretary of National Defense, is included as a new member of the National Committee.
The National Committee was created to take charge of all preparations and arrangements in connection with the state visit of His Excellency George W. Bush, President of the United States.
The Secretary of National Defense was added because the roles of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are critical in securing the state visit, especially in providing adequate security coverage.
Memorandum Order No. 115-A took effect immediately upon its issuance on October 3, 2003.
Including the Secretary of National Defense legally mandates the Department of National Defense's involvement in the state visit preparations, particularly in matters related to security, thus providing authority and responsibility to DND in this official capacity.
While it does not specify detailed roles, it acknowledges the critical function of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in providing adequate security coverage during the state visit.
A Memorandum Order is a type of administrative issuance by the Office of the President or its representatives, used to direct government officials and agencies on specific actions or policies, often related to the execution of laws and other governmental functions.