Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 399)
The authority to create the Presidential Task Force on Rehabilitation Operations under EO No. 399 is vested in the President of the Philippines, as exercised by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The Executive Secretary or his representative serves as the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Rehabilitation Operations.
The task force is composed of the Executive Secretary (Chairman), the Secretary of Public Works and Communications (Vice-Chairman), and members including the Secretaries of Finance, National Defense, Social Welfare, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Health, or their representatives.
The Provincial Task Force, composed of provincial representatives of the national officials and other local officials, implements and coordinates rehabilitation efforts at the provincial level under the guidance of the Presidential Task Force.
The responsibilities include: 1) Assessing financial, physical, logistical, and administrative requirements for rehabilitation; 2) Identifying funding sources and channels; 3) Formulating medium- and long-term rehabilitation programs and financial plans; 4) Creating monitoring, coordination, and reporting systems for rehabilitation efforts in both public and private sectors.
Technical and implementing support are provided by the Presidential Economic Staff, Development Management Staff, National Computer Center, National Food & Agriculture Council Secretariat, National Disaster Control Center, Infrastructure Operations Center, Development Bank of the Philippines, AFP Civic Action Group, and the 51st Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army.
The Development Management Staff of the Executive Office acts as the coordinating center and clearing-house for activities and operations of the technical and implementing staff of the Presidential Task Force.
Yes, the Presidential Task Force is authorized and empowered to call upon all government departments, agencies, and government-owned or controlled corporations, as well as the private sector, to provide necessary cooperation and assistance for its functions.
The Presidential Task Force is required to complete its assigned tasks and submit a report within sixty (60) days from the date of issuance of the Executive Order, which is July 26, 1972.
Key elements include the financial and physical requirements, logistical and administrative support necessary for speedy and effective rehabilitation, repair, replacement, and restoration to operational capacity of damaged facilities, services, establishments, and occupations in both the public and private sectors.
The Executive Order expects coordinated efforts and cooperation between public and private sectors in all rehabilitation and restoration efforts. Both sectors are subject to monitoring, reporting, and support mechanisms established by the Task Force to ensure timely and effective rehabilitation.