Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 193)
The WTO/AFTA Advisory Commission is a multisectoral body created under the Office of the President tasked to oversee the proper implementation of Philippine commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ASEAN Free Trade Agreements (AFTA).
Executive Order No. 193, dated August 2, 1994.
The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry serves as the Chairman of the Commission.
The Commission is composed of the Secretary of Trade and Industry (Chairman), a private sector representative appointed by the President (Co-Chairman), secretaries of various departments (Foreign Affairs, Finance, Agriculture, Transportation and Communications, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and Employment, Agrarian Reform), the Director General of NEDA, the Press Secretary, the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, and eleven private sector representatives.
Yes. Members may designate duly authorized representatives who have full power to vote and act unless otherwise provided in the designation.
They include preparing and implementing plans to ensure compliance with WTO and AFTA commitments, reviewing and recommending amendments to laws and policies, conducting research and educational campaigns, coordinating government and private sector activities related to trade agreements, and adopting internal rules.
The Commission shall meet at least once every month or as often as necessary upon the call of the Chairman.
The presence of a majority of the members constitutes a quorum, and the approval of any action requires a majority vote of this quorum.
The Commission can establish an Executive Committee consisting of the Chairman, Co-Chairman, and other designated members to exercise delegated powers and functions.
The AFTA Advisory Commission was dissolved, and all its functions, budget, and personnel were absorbed by the new WTO/AFTA Advisory Commission, while keeping the existing structure and personnel intact as much as possible.
Initial appropriations will come from the President's Contingent Fund subject to approval, while subsequent funding will be part of the Office of the President's budget proposals.
It is responsible for conducting education and information campaigns, including publishing brochures, and holding seminars and workshops to disseminate information about the effects and implications of these agreements.
This Executive Order took effect immediately upon its promulgation on August 2, 1994.
The Separability Clause ensures that the remaining provisions shall remain valid and in full force even if any part is declared unconstitutional.
The Commission reports to the Philippine Council on ASEAN Cooperation at the Cabinet level and is represented at the PCAC-Cabinet and the PCAC-Technical Board for ASEAN Economic Cooperation.