Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 235)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 235 is to create an Independent Committee to conduct a fact-finding investigation of the crash of Air Philippines Flight 541.
The President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in him by law, has the authority to create the Independent Investigation Committee.
The Air Transportation Office is mandated to conduct investigation of air mishaps including the crash of Air Philippines Flight 541 pursuant to Republic Act No. 776 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 844, Presidential Decree No. 1274, Presidential Decree No. 1462, and Executive Order No. 546, series of 1979.
The committee is composed of Gen. William K. Hotchkiss (Ret.) as Chairman, Assistant Executive Secretary Gaudencio A. Mendoza, Gen. Rodolfo A. Ecarma (Ret.), Mr. Constancio Navarro, and Mr. Amado Soliman as members.
The Committee's functions include investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the crash, determining the causes and responsible parties, recommending appropriate measures to address findings, and recommending measures to prevent future similar incidents.
The Committee has powers and prerogatives under the Administrative Code of 1987, including summoning witnesses, administering oaths, taking testimony or evidence by subpoena ad testificandum and duces tecum, and requesting assistance from any government department or agency.
The Secretariat provides technical and administrative support to the Committee and is headed by Assistant Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Gaudencio A. Mendoza, assisted by officials and personnel detailed from various government agencies.
Funding of one million pesos (P1,000,000.00) is allocated from the Contingency Fund or other available funds by the Department of Budget and Management, released through the Office of the President.
The Committee must prepare and submit its report within thirty (30) days after the completion of its investigation.
All inconsistent issuances, orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof are repealed or modified accordingly upon the effectivity of this Executive Order.