Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 4)
The Office of the President supervises and controls the principal office in Manila of MECO and its branch offices in Taiwan, with direct supervision and control exercised by the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Executive Order No. 4 amended Executive Order No. 490 to transfer supervision and control of MECO from the Department of Foreign Affairs back to the Office of the President to ensure sensitive duties align with the One-China policy.
Because of the government's commitment to the One-China policy and the sensitive nature of MECO's responsibilities in fostering people-to-people relations and unofficial contacts between the Philippines and Taiwan.
The Senior Deputy Executive Secretary shall sit in the MECO Board as Director and exercise direct supervision over MECO for the Office of the President.
The issuance of visas, passports, and authentication of documents must be consistent with the One-China policy of the Philippine government.
Yes, personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs who are on official leave can be assigned to MECO to ensure the effective implementation of related functions.
The principal office in Manila of MECO shall be located outside the premises of any government offices to maintain its private character and unofficial status.
MECO was formerly known as ASECTAI before being placed under the Office of the President by Executive Order No. 931 in 1984.
Sections 3, 4, and 5 of Executive Order No. 490 were amended by Executive Order No. 4.
It took effect immediately upon its adoption on July 17, 1998.