QuestionsQuestions (DBM NATIONAL BUDGET CIRCULAR NO. 467)
EO No. 220 cited Section 1, Article X (creation of an autonomous region in the Cordilleras) and Section 15, Article X (composition of the autonomous region), as well as Section 6 and Section 14, Article XVIII (President’s continuing legislative power and duty to provide regional development councils), and Section 18, Article X (organic act framework), among others.
The CAR consists of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, Mt. Province, and the chartered city of Baguio; until otherwise provided by the Cordillera Executive Board, its seat is Baguio City.
They are: (a) administer regional government affairs as defined in Sections 4 and 5; (b) accelerate economic and social growth and development; and (c) prepare for the establishment of the autonomous region in the Cordilleras.
It includes regional administration; economic, social and cultural development; agricultural/commercial/industrial development and tourism; infrastructure; urban and rural development; protection of ancestral domain and land reform; regional educational system; health and social services; development of indigenous laws/institutions and conflict resolution; preservation of indigenous customs/languages/cultures; strengthening the bodong system; protection/preservation of cultural identity; social justice and human rights; and other matters authorized by law or delegated by the President.
Examples include: (1) coordinate with LGUs and national line departments in identifying/planning/monitoring/accepting projects; (2) appoint, supervise, control and discipline CAR personnel; (3) manage and control funds, facilities and equipment appropriated for the CAR; (4) advise the National Government on matters affecting the Cordilleras; (5) undertake studies to codify customary laws (including bodong pagtas); and (6) promulgate resolutions/rules/regulations necessary to implement the EO.
EO No. 220 states that restoration and maintenance of peace is a major concern of the CAR and provides for organizing a regional security force under guidelines by the President. However, the defense and security of the region remains the responsibility of the National Government.
They are (1) the Cordillera Regional Assembly and (2) the Cordillera Executive Board.
The Assembly is headed by a Chairman who is appointed by the President from among the Assembly members; the Chairman is the titular head of the CAR.
It is capped at 250 representatives. Municipalities: one representative each; Baguio City: ten; NGOs: total eighteen (twelve from major NGOs determined by membership size, and six from province-based NGOs); and tribes: one representative per tribe chosen in a manner consonant with the Constitution and harmonious with indigenous decision-making processes.
It convenes once every year for a five-day regular session starting on April 24 (with a regular session held in 1987). During regular session, it discusses the annual report and proposed budget, initiates plans and programs, resolves inter-tribal issues, formulates policies consistent with national and local laws, and identifies priority projects and development programs.
It has 29 regular members appointed by the President: the Mayor of Baguio City and the five governors (total 6), plus six representatives from the Cordillera (as stated in the text), twelve representatives from different ethno-linguistic groups, and five NGO representatives. Regional directors of line departments are non-voting ex-officio members.
He/she acts as Chief Executive Officer of the CAR (on behalf of the President); presides over Executive Board meetings; initiates proposed budget and annual report for Board approval; supervises/controls/discipline personnel; coordinates and supervises Executive Committees and the Cordillera Bodong Administration; and performs other functions assigned by law, the President, the Assembly, or the Executive Board.
The CBA is incorporated into the CAR as a commission. In territorial units where it is effective, it promotes respect for tribal customs, fosters unity and regional confederation, observes traditional direct democracy and collective leadership within national administrative mechanisms, preserves communal social order/economic system, performs functions of executive committees, and performs other functions determined by the Executive Board.
The CAR, through the Executive Board, shall allocate part of its budget for the operation of the CBA.
It appropriates five million pesos from available funds of the National Treasury for the operation of the CAR for FY 1987. Thereafter, an annual appropriation for its budget must be included in the General Appropriations Act.
It provides that, as part of the BIR allotment in the region, the CAR and LGUs within the CAR territorial coverage shall have at least 50% share of taxes and other government revenues. Distribution: 10% to barangays, 10% to municipalities, 15% to provinces or cities, and 15% to the CAR.
They exist until the autonomous regional government is established and organized under an organic act passed by Congress in accordance with Section 18, Article X of the Constitution.