QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 444)
EO No. 444 directs the DILG to conduct a strategic review on the continuing decentralization and devolution of services and functions of national government agencies to LGUs, to support the rationalization program under EO 366 and to recommend actions consistent with the Local Government Code.
EO 444 is intended to support the objectives of EO 366’s rationalization policy by examining what functions/services can be further devolved or decentralized to improve efficiency and reduce duplication without undermining core mandates.
EO 444 cites Section 3(h) of the LGC as providing a continuing mechanism to enhance local autonomy through legislative enabling acts and also through administrative and organizational reforms, which EO 444 aims to operationalize through review and potential devolution reforms.
Under Section 1, the DILG must review (a) to support EO 366’s rationalization objectives; (b) identify overlapping/duplicative national functions that could be devolved without harming vital/core services; (c) determine extent of devolution of powers and transfer of assets/resources/personnel for real fiscal autonomy; and (d) submit recommendations and courses of action.
The review covers all departments, agencies, and bureaus, including corporations, boards, task forces, councils, and commissions of the Executive Branch.
EO 444 requires that devolving or decentralizing identified functions must not undermine vital/core services and mandates and must be consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code.
EO 444 instructs the DILG to determine the extent of devolution and the transfer of assets, resources, and personnel so LGUs can achieve real fiscal autonomy.
Among others: call upon agencies for technical/policy/documentary/information/resource assistance; hold public forums/round-table discussions; conduct studies/researches/surveys/polls; partner with private/donor/external bodies; conduct public information/education/communication activities; submit recommendations, outputs, and reports/updates to the Office of the President and relevant agencies; and perform other functions directed by the President.
It requires the DILG to submit its recommendations, outputs, and regular reports/updates to the Office of the President and relevant national agencies, ensuring accountability and centralized review.
Yes. Section 3 allows the DILG to engage the services of individuals and institutional experts and specialists from both national and local agencies and bodies as resource persons.
Primary budget must come from available funds of the DILG. EO 444 also allows tapping other sources such as grants, donations, and technical/resource assistance from donor agencies/projects and other public/private entities, subject to regular auditing guidelines.
It provides that other funding sources may be tapped and facilitated subject to regular auditing guidelines and procedures.
Section 5 repeals or modifies all orders, rules, regulations, and issuances (or parts thereof) inconsistent with EO 444.
EO 444 states it takes effect immediately upon adoption (05 July 2005).
It primarily authorizes a strategic review by DILG and requires recommendations and courses of action; actual devolution depends on subsequent policy/administrative proposals and implementation consistent with the Local Government Code and other laws.