Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 213)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 213 is to create a Philippine Coordinating Committee (PCC) to study the feasibility of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) and to promote stronger bilateral economic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
The PCC is composed of representatives from several government agencies including DFA, DTI, DA, DBM, DECS, DOE, DENR, DOF, DOH, DOJ, DOLE, DPWH, DOST, DOT, DOTC, NEDA, BSP, and SEC. Each agency must have at least one permanent representative with a rank not lower than Director.
The DFA Undersecretary for International Economic Relations and the DTI Undersecretary for International Trade serve as co-chairs of the PCC.
The PCC's functions include participating in consultations and negotiations with the Japanese counterpart, formulating recommended Philippine positions, consulting with government and private sector representatives, drafting a proposed framework for the JPEPA and its Implementing Agreements, and performing other necessary functions.
The Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) acts as the PCC Secretariat.
The DFA is responsible for coordinating with the PCC's Japanese counterpart.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) drafts the final version of the proposed framework for the JPEPA and its Implementing Agreements.
Expenses incurred by individual agencies in connection with their functions as PCC members, especially for participation in meetings and negotiations in Japan, shall be borne by the respective agencies. The DTI submits a work program and budget to the DBM to defray the costs of PCC activities.
Executive Order No. 213 took effect immediately upon its signing on May 28, 2003.