QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 4)
Executive Order No. 4 (1966) is an act of the President issued by virtue of the powers vested by law, creating the Presidential Agency on Reforms and Government Operations (PARGO) as an executive instrumentality under the Office of the President.
PARGO is directly under and responsible only to the President of the Philippines.
PARGO is headed by the Assistant to the President, who is authorized to act as the head of PARGO. He is a member of the Cabinet with the rights and privileges of that office.
The Assistant to the President may recommend to the President the appointment of his personal and technical staff, and recommend the detail/assignment of personnel and equipment from departments, bureaus, offices, and agencies.
The Assistant to the President may call upon Technical Advisers to assist in the study of, and/or give advice on, matters within their respective fields that relate to PARGO’s work.
PARGO provides a central clearing house where the public and government officials/employees can transmit inquiries, ventilate grievances, lodge complaints, and receive information and advice.
PARGO is directed to investigate activities involving or affecting immoral practices, graft and corruption, smuggling (physical or technical), lawlessness, subversion, and other activities prejudicial to government and public interests.
PARGO must establish and maintain direct liaison between the President and executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, GOCCs, and all branches of local governments to ensure speedy and effective implementation of Administration policies.
It may enlist the assistance of appropriate government offices/entities and local governments for transmission and implementation of policies, programs, or reforms calculated to develop strong and dynamic moral character, integrity, and civic consciousness.
EO No. 4 specifically mentions Republic Acts Nos. 1379 and 3109, relating to graft and unlawfully amassed wealth, and authorizes PARGO to investigate cases and gather evidence to establish prima facie acts.
It has access, inter alia, to the records of the Presidential Anti-graft Committee (created by EO No. 378, abolished by EO No. 457) which are in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.
EO No. 4 vests PARGO with all the powers of an investigating committee under Sections 71 and 580 of the Revised Administrative Code, including summoning witnesses via subpoena/subpoena duces tecum, administering oaths, and taking testimony or receiving relevant evidence.
The Assistant to the President is authorized to use any form of communication and transportation or means of conveyance in official travel or those of his personnel for speedy and efficient execution of duties.
All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, instrumentalities of the national government (including GOCCs), and provincial/city/municipal governments are directed to cooperate with and assist PARGO.
The Presidential Anti-Graft Committee created by EO No. 4 (Jan. 18, 1962) is abolished; its personnel, records, properties, equipment, unexpended appropriations, and pending work are transferred to PARGO. Personnel not retained are returned to mother offices if on detail, or given gratuity under specified rules if not.
Those not retained may receive gratuity equivalent to one month salary for every year of continuous satisfactory service, not exceeding twelve months, based on highest salary received. If entitled to gratuity under a retirement law, they must select either that or the gratuity herein provided.
They must refund to the National Government the unexpired portion of the gratuity if reinstated.
EO No. 4 provides that it takes effect immediately. This is important because it determines when PARGO’s powers, duties, and obligations of cooperation begin.
PARGO must submit regular reports on the overall conduct and performance of reforms and remedies to improve government administration/services, and it must conduct seminars and educational campaigns to instill spiritual and moral values.