QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 15)
The DDB was established under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) as the policy-making and strategy-formulating body for drug prevention and control.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is designated as the Chairperson of the ICAD and has overall responsibility to ensure the objectives of the ICAD and clusters are accomplished.
Examples include: Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), DILG, DOJ, DOH, DepEd, DSWD, DTI, DA, DND, TESDA, PIA, PAO, OSG, PCG, PNP, NBI, BOC, BI, AFP, AMLC. (The EO lists all of these as members.)
It ensures institutional continuity and that high-level officials are permanently tasked to participate in the ICAD, enabling effective inter-agency coordination and implementation.
Key functions include: (a) ensure effective drug operations and arrests from high-value personalities down to peddlers and users; (b) spearhead and coordinate implementation of the NADPA 2015-2020; (c) ensure comprehensive implementation of the Barangay Drug-Clearing Program; (d) ensure intensive advocacy campaigns; (e) ensure efficient execution of member-agency roles; (f) cleanse the bureaucracy of personnel involved in illegal drug activities; and (g) ensure achievement of anti-illegal drug objectives.
EO No. 15 provides that the ICAD Chairperson establishes and activates a National Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force to undertake sustained operations, with close coordination with PDEA. The Task Force operations are thus operationally supported and coordinated within ICAD’s structure.
The President designates the Task Force head/commander (a senior law enforcement officer) who reports directly to the PDEA Director General.
Upon effectivity, the ICAD organizes into: (a) Enforcement Cluster; (b) Justice Cluster; (c) Advocacy Cluster; and (d) Rehabilitation and Reintegration Cluster. The DDB is included as a member of all clusters.
The Justice Cluster is primarily responsible for expeditious prosecution of drug cases, legal assistance to law enforcers, and ensuring the availability of public attorneys for protection of individuals’ rights during events like voluntary surrenders and warrantless arrests.
It conducts anti-illegal drug operations with support of other law enforcement agencies through PDEA and the National Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, including investigations against drug syndicates, financiers, and other target personalities.
The EO expressly mentions the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, as well as all other agencies, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
It conducts a nationwide advocacy campaign for the government’s anti-illegal drug policy and all implementing programs.
It implements drug rehabilitation programs and ensures reintegration of former drug dependents and other drug personalities as useful members of society.
PDEA conducts regular conferences with ICAD members to monitor and evaluate each cluster’s performance; each member agency submits periodic reports to cluster heads; cluster heads submit consolidated cluster reports to the ICAD Chairperson (copy furnished the DDB); the ICAD Chairperson consolidates all reports for submission to the Office of the President.
It shall come from available funds of ICAD member agencies and other appropriate funding sources, subject to budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws. The DBM is directed to coordinate to facilitate and expedite release of needed funding.
It provides that if any part or provision is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.
It repeals, amends, or modifies any orders, rules, regulations, issuances, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with EO No. 15.
It takes effect upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.