Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 265)
This Executive Order was influenced by the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, which the Philippines signed in 2000 and ratified in 2002, and the ASEAN Declaration on Transnational Organized Crime and its related instruments.
Key principles include: a comprehensive coverage of various transnational crimes; adherence to the rule of law and respect for constitutional rights; concerted and coordinated efforts among government agencies; active community participation; and vigorous pursuit of regional and international cooperation.
Covered transnational crimes include money laundering and financial crimes, trafficking in persons, piracy and armed robbery against ships, illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, illegal trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances, fraud, cyberspace crime, intellectual property rights violations, smuggling, and other crimes affecting national stability and security.
The President of the Philippines provides active leadership, supported by a Special Envoy on Transnational Crime (SETC), who coordinates and integrates efforts among law enforcement and government agencies.
The SETC sets policy directions, advises the President on transnational crime matters, represents the government in international forums, coordinates government efforts on transnational crime, and holds the rank and salary of an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
These councils and boards, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council and Dangerous Drugs Board, maintain their specific functions under existing laws but work closely with the SETC to harmonize and integrate government efforts against transnational crime, submitting periodic reports through the SETC to the President.
The PCTC provides technical, operational, and administrative support to the SETC and continues its role headed by an Executive Director, assisting in implementing the comprehensive program against transnational crime.
The components include strengthening information and intelligence gathering, strategic research, intensifying law enforcement operations, capacity-building and empowerment of stakeholders, and reinforcing regional and international cooperation.
Funding is sourced from available funds identified by the Secretary of Budget and Management, with the budget for the SETC and PCTC incorporated into the Office of the President's budget proposals for succeeding years.