Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 31)
The EO creates the Strategy, Economics, and Results Group (SERG) within the Department of Finance (DOF) to provide strategic advice, conduct fiscal economic policy research, and manage and coordinate transformative fiscal reforms aligned with the national government's socioeconomic agenda.
The SERG is created within the Department of Finance (DOF).
The SERG is under the direct control and supervision of the Secretary of Finance, who designates an Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary to oversee its operations.
The SRO: a) Develops strategy maps and plans to convert the socioeconomic agenda into fiscal policy actions; b) Provides fiscal policy advice and quality assurance on policy decisions; c) Manages a databank of fiscal economic insights for the Secretary of Finance; d) Prepares implementation plans for priority fiscal reforms and monitors progress; e) Builds fiscal reform coalitions with stakeholders.
FERO conducts research and analysis of priority programs to ensure fiscal policies promote inclusive growth, simulates impacts of tax reforms, monitors economic risks, analyzes equity of fiscal proposals, and collaborates with development partners and rating agencies to enhance economic confidence.
SERG is composed of organic personnel subject to Department of Budget and Management approval, supplemented by existing DOF personnel, seconded personnel from other agencies, and technical consultants as approved by the Secretary of Finance.
SERG's existence is co-terminous with the tenure of the Secretary of Finance under the current Administration at the time of issuance.
The Secretary of Finance is authorized to issue guidelines and prescribe procedures to enable SERG to effectively exercise its powers and functions and to enhance transparency and accountability.
Funding for SERG shall come from the available appropriations in the General Appropriations Act, subject to budgeting laws and regulations. The Secretary of Finance may also avail of international financing such as grants and loans.
The invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect the validity of other provisions, which shall remain enforceable and subsisting.
The SERG is composed of two offices: the Strategy and Results Office (SRO) and the Fiscal Economics Research Office (FERO). Each office is headed by a Director IV and assisted by a Director III.
Section 82 of Republic Act No. 10924, the General Appropriations Act of 2017, grants the President the authority to create new offices and modify the organizational structure of executive agencies as needed in the public interest.