Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 442)
The Presidential Complaints and Action Office, hereinafter referred to as the Action Office, is an office created within the Office of the President of the Philippines as per Executive Order No. 442 dated January 3, 1991.
The primary purpose of creating the Presidential Complaints and Action Office is to serve as the command center for addressing requests for assistance as well as complaints and grievances by the general public, ensuring effective, efficient, and expeditious public service.
The key functions include providing information on the status of papers or requests, expediting actions on complaints, serving as liaison with government agencies, initiating fact-finding efforts on immoral and corrupt practices, investigating complaints of graft and corruption, coordinating with other offices, and conducting public assistance activities.
The Action Office can entertain complaints regarding graft and corruption, violations of Republic Acts No. 1379 and 3019 as amended, as well as complaints against acts, conduct, or behavior of any public official or employee.
Presidential Action Teams may be organized by the Action Office to address specific key areas of government to ensure effective and speedy action or service to the public.
The Malacanang Public Assistance Center was renamed the Public Assistance Office and placed under the direct control and supervision of the Action Office.
They are required to organize public assistance and action units in their respective offices and designate an Action Officer to act as liaison between their office and the Action Office, submitting the names of designated personnel to the Executive Secretary within 15 days.
The Executive Secretary exercises supervision and control over the Action Office and its teams.
The Action Office adopts a policy of arbitration, conciliation, and mediation leading to amicable settlements of adversarial complaints among private persons.
The personnel, supplies, equipment, appropriations, and other resources of the Malacanang Public Assistance Center are transferred to the Action Office, and additional funds needed are charged against existing appropriations of the Office of the President.