Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 52)
The purpose of Memorandum Circular No. 52 is to create the Inter-Agency Task Force on Federalism (IATF) to integrate, harmonize, and coordinate efforts toward Federalism and constitutional reform in the Philippines.
The President has the power to create the Inter-Agency Task Force on Federalism as vested by Section 17, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution which grants the President control over executive departments, bureaus, and offices.
The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government or his equivalent serves as the Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Federalism.
Members include the Secretary of Justice (Vice-Chairperson) and the heads of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Presidential Management Staff, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Office of the Political Adviser, Commission on Higher Education, Development Academy of the Philippines, and University of the Philippines Law Center.
Yes, members may designate their respective permanent representatives to the IATF, provided that such representatives hold the rank of Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary.
The main functions include developing strategies to raise public awareness of federalism and constitutional reform, preparing an information dissemination plan, undertaking consultations, liaising with Congress to initiate and address roadblocks to constitutional reform, and performing other functions as directed by the President.
Yes, all departments, bureaus, offices, or agencies of the government including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges are directed to coordinate with the IATF before conducting any activities related to federalism and constitutional reform.
Government agencies are expected to render necessary support consistent with their mandates and participate in the IATF's educational programs and orientation seminars on federalism and constitutional reform.
The IATF is required to submit quarterly reports on its activities and accomplishments to the President.
The budgetary requirements for the IATF’s operations shall be sourced from funding identified by the Department of Budget and Management, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Budget for succeeding years shall be included in the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s budget proposal.
Memorandum Circular No. 52 took effect immediately upon its signing on October 31, 2018.