Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 269)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 269 is to create the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) as the main policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating, and administrative body responsible for ICT development and regulation in the Philippines.
Section 24, Article II of the 1987 Constitution supports it, stating that "The State shall recognize the vital role of communication and information in nation-building."
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is defined as the totality of electronic means to collect, store, process, and present information to end-users in support of their activities, including computer systems, office systems, consumer electronics, and networked information infrastructure such as telephone systems, the Internet, fax machines, and computers.
The main components attached to the Commission are the National Computer Center (NCC), Telecommunications Office (TELOF), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC), plus other units from the Department of Transportation and Communications that directly support communications.
The Commission is headed by a Chairman with Cabinet rank who is assisted by the Director-General of the NCC, the Chief of TELOF, and two additional Commissioners.
Key policy guidelines include ensuring provision of strategic, reliable, and cost-efficient ICT infrastructure; fostering partnerships between public and private sectors; ensuring universal access and high-speed connectivity at fair and reasonable cost; protecting privacy and confidentiality; and promoting ICT expertise development.
The Commission is tasked with providing an integrating framework, identifying and prioritizing e-government systems and applications, managing and administering the e-Government Fund, and coordinating integrated government information and communications infrastructure development programs.
The NTC shall not exercise any power that tends to influence or affect a review or modification of its quasi-judicial functions, ensuring its independence in such matters.
The Commission is tasked to establish a strong and effective regulatory system ensuring consumer protection and welfare, including privacy, security, and confidentiality rights of consumers and business users, and to enforce laws, standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT.
The National Computer Center, TELOF, and other related units are transferred to the Commission, and all regular or permanent employees affected shall retain their seniority, rank, and emoluments without any loss.