QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 536)
They are project offices tasked to pursue the development and implementation of railway projects, created under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
The CRPO is to be established in Cebu City, while the MRPO is to be established in Cagayan de Oro City.
They must review, plan, and implement railway projects—CRPO for Cebu City and Metro Cebu, and MRPO for Mindanao—by coordinating with relevant agencies, conducting studies, and arranging funding and implementation activities subject to law.
They: (1) review and consolidate plans; (2) develop master plans and cause engineering studies; (3) implement plans and enter into contracts consistent with procurement and other laws; (4) arrange funding from any source including ODA subject to applicable laws; (5) coordinate with local/foreign consultants for railway operations expertise; (6) conduct consultation meetings and public hearings with stakeholders (community, industry, LGUs, NGOs, and people’s organizations); (7) explore best funding schemes (e.g., BO T, BOOT, counter-trade and similar arrangements) for budget efficiency; and (8) perform other necessary activities to push immediate implementation.
It implies that the Project Offices may enter into contracts for procurement, construction, and installation, but only subject to existing laws and regulations (i.e., procurement rules and applicable legal requirements).
They may arrange funding from private or government, foreign or domestic sources, including Official Development Assistance, as long as it complies with applicable laws and regulations.
To ensure stakeholder involvement by consulting members of the local community, industry, LGUs, NGOs, and people’s organizations during the planning and implementation process.
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Build-Own-Operate (BOO), Counter-Trade, and other similar arrangements.
The President appoints a Project Director for each office to carry out the day-to-day operations.
Examples include: submitting policies/measures to the DOTC Secretary; preparing the office budget for DOTC Secretary approval; executing/administering approved policies; directing/supervising operations and internal administration (including delegating powers subject to DOTC rules); appointing and disciplining employees subject to Civil Service Law; representing the office in dealings with government offices and private entities; and preparing an annual report to DOTC Secretary with copies to the President and Congress.
The annual report must be prepared on or before the end of the first quarter after the fiscal year completed, submitted to the DOTC Secretary, with copies furnished to the President and the Congress of the Philippines.
From the funds of the DOTC, subject to usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
They must be included in the succeeding General Appropriations Act.
The unconstitutional portion will not nullify the rest of the Executive Order if the remaining provisions can still subsist and be given effect.
It revokes, repeals, and/or modifies any executive orders, rules, regulations, or other issuances (or parts thereof) that are inconsistent with the Executive Order.
Fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least one (1) national paper of general circulation.
Because the Order identifies distinct needs: Cebu requires vigorous pursuit of the Cebu Light Rail Transport System due to traffic and tourism/business growth, while Mindanao needs vigorous pursuit of the Mindanao Railway System to boost agri-business and provide faster, cheaper, reliable, and convenient mass transportation.