Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 182)
The purpose of Memorandum Order No. 182 is to create an Internal Affairs and Complaints Committee (IACC) in the Office of the President to handle administrative disciplinary complaints, ensure compliance with laws related to public officials' disclosures, investigate abuses, and coordinate anti-corruption efforts.
The IACC was created pursuant to Section 37, Book V of Executive Order No. 292, s. 1987, the OP Integrity Development Action Plan, and the Government's commitment under the ten-point agenda outlined in Administrative Order No. 104, s. 2004.
The IACC's main functions include receiving and investigating administrative complaints against non-presidential appointees in the OP, establishing procedures for submission and review of Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNW) and Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections (DBIFC), investigating violations of RA 3019 and RA 6713, and coordinating with anti-corruption agencies.
The IACC is composed of five permanent members: the Executive Secretary (or designated representative) as Chairman, and the Deputy Executive Secretaries for Legal Affairs, Finance and Administration, General Administration, and the Assistant Executive Secretary of Internal Audit Office. A quorum requires a majority of members, and findings require a majority vote of all members present.
The IACC has two working units: 1) Complaints and Investigation Unit (CIU) headed by the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, responsible for investigating complaints; and 2) Review and Compliance Unit (RCU), headed by the Assistant Executive Secretary for Budget and Corporate Affairs, responsible for evaluating compliance with SALNW and DBIFC submissions and conducting seminars.
The CIU Head (DESLA) can designate a panel of investigators, summon witnesses by subpoena, require production of documents through subpoena duces tecum, administer oaths, receive testimony and evidence, and recommend preventive suspension of respondents if warranted by the evidence and nature of offense.
The Panel of Investigators must submit their findings and recommendations to the IACC, through the CIU Head, within 15 days from the conclusion of the investigation.
The Panel must observe pertinent provisions of the Administrative Code of 1987 (EO 292), Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and regulations, Republic Acts 3019 and 6713, and other related laws governing public officials.
The RCU evaluates the compliance of all OP officials and employees with the filing of SALNW and DBIFC, conducts seminars to educate officials and employees on proper filing, and ensures adherence to relevant laws such as RA 3019 and RA 6713.
The IACC assists and coordinates with the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), the Anti-Corruption Swift Action Team (SWAT), and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) in handling complaints and conducting lifestyle checks of public servants in the Office of the President.