Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 94)
The main purpose is to formally establish the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) to orchestrate a unified national effort in protecting Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and interests in the West Philippine Sea.
The memorandum cites Section 7, Article II; Section 3, Article II; and Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, which emphasize national sovereignty, territorial integrity, protection of marine wealth, and the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The NTF-WPS is composed of representatives from various government agencies including the National Security Adviser as Chairperson, and members from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Justice, Interior and Local Government, Environment and Natural Resources, Energy, Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Transportation and Communications, Finance, NEDA, National Coast Watch System, AFP, PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Permanent representatives from each relevant agency should have the rank of Undersecretary as regular members.
The NTF-WPS is responsible for orchestrating and synchronizing the capabilities of national government agencies to achieve national objectives in the West Philippine Sea and submitting reports and recommendations to the President through the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace.
The functions of the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on the West Philippine Sea were transferred to and are now performed by the NTF-WPS.
The NTF-WPS will create Area-level Task Forces (ATF) to synchronize efforts at the area level and Tactical-level Task Forces (TTFs) composed of units and elements from different agencies under guidance from the ATF.
All branches, departments, bureaus, agencies, offices, local government units, and government-owned or controlled corporations are directed to render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the NTF-WPS in carrying out its mandates and functions.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other unaffected provisions shall remain valid and subsisting.
The Circular takes effect immediately upon issuance on March 17, 2016.