QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 847)
EO 847 is an Executive Order issued by the President of the Philippines under the powers vested by law. It creates the Church-Police-Military-Liaison Committee (CPMLC) under the Office of the President to formulate and implement a comprehensive program establishing partnership between the State and the Church on peace and order and human rights.
The CPMLC is created under the Office of the President.
The CPMLC is headed by a Chairman appointed by the President with the rank of Secretary.
EO 847 lists: (1) the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), (2) the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and (3) the Chief, National Prosecution Service (NPS).
EO 847 provides for: (a) National Council of Churches in the Philippines, (b) Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, (c) Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and (d) Ulama-Bishops Conference.
EO 847 allows representatives from other religious aggrupations or faith-based organizations as determined by the President, upon invitation.
It must design and implement procedures/mechanisms for effective coordination between Church and State to eradicate misunderstanding and antagonism on peace and order and human rights issues.
The CPMLC may conduct seminars, interfaith dialogues, workshops, and capacity-building programs to inculcate mutual respect and reverence among the military, police, Church, and faith-based organizations.
It authorizes undertakings of research/studies and mutual projects relating to promotion of life, peace and justice, protection of human rights, sanctuary programs, and prevention/solution of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Yes. EO 847 authorizes the CPMLC to select personnel from the PNP, AFP, and NPS for detail in the CPMLC Secretariat.
There is a Secretariat headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Undersecretary, appointed by the President, responsible for administrative, operational, and technical requirements and activities of the Committee.
All government agencies are directed to actively cooperate and support the CPMLC, and the CPMLC may call upon any agency for assistance and cooperation.
EO 847 provides an initial allocation of PHP 10,000,000.00 for CY 2009, to be drawn from the President’s Contingency Fund and government savings.
Appropriations for succeeding years must be incorporated in the budget proposal of the Office of the President.
If any portion/provision is declared unconstitutional, it shall not nullify the other portions as long as the remaining portions can still be given effect (severability clause).
All executive orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with EO 847 are revoked, amended, or modified accordingly (repealing/clause of inconsistency).
It takes effect fifteen (15) days immediately following its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.
The EO cites the 1987 Constitution’s protection of free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference. It is relevant because EO 847 frames State-Church partnership in peace, order, and human rights while emphasizing coordination based on mutual respect and reverence.
Students should examine the potential for Establishment Clause issues (or perceived government preference/coercive involvement) when the State creates a formal liaison committee with specific religious groups, and how the EO is structured to stay within permissible bounds of neutrality, consultation, and respect for religious freedom.