Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 709)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 709 is to create a Ministry of Trade and Industry to unify and coordinate the functions and efforts of the government in promoting industrial development and trade, particularly to align industrial promotion with expanding trade markets in the Philippines.
The Ministry of Trade established under Presidential Decree No. 721 and the Ministry of Industry established under Presidential Decree No. 488 are abolished together with their services, bureaus, agencies, regional offices, and other entities.
The President of the Philippines has the authority to appoint the Minister of Trade and Industry.
The Ministry Proper consists of the Office of the Minister, a Planning Service, a Financial and Management Service, an Administrative Service, and a Legal Service. The Deputy Minister or Ministers form part of the Office of the Minister.
The Ministry supervises the following bureaus: Bureau of Domestic Trade, Bureau of Foreign Trade, Bureau of Industrial Development, Bureau of Small and Medium Industries, Philippine Patent Office, and Product Standards Agency.
The Ministry exercises administrative supervision over entities including the Board of Investments, Cement Industry Authority, Commission for Heavy Engineering Industries, Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, Design Center Philippines, Garments and Textile Export Board, Iron and Steel Authority, Philippine Textile Research Institute, Presidential Advisory Committee on the Copper Industry, Price Stabilization Council, and Technology Transfer Board.
Personnel not appointed to the new Ministry are deemed laid off but are entitled to benefits and gratuities provided under existing laws.
Yes, Career Executive Service Officers shall either be reappointed or reassigned by the President upon the recommendation of the Minister; if assigned to the Career Executive Service Board, they will receive salaries until placed or laid off after six months if no placement is found.
The President is authorized to appoint a Special Presidential Representative for Trade Negotiations, who shall have Cabinet rank and receive necessary support for effective performance of duties.
Any declared unconstitutional provisions shall not nullify the remaining provisions, provided the others can stand and be given effect to accomplish the objectives of the Executive Order.