Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 165)
The main directive is to assign the Secretary of Foreign Affairs the responsibility to take charge of the preparations and arrangements in connection with all incoming State and Official Visits to the Philippines by Heads of States and other foreign dignitaries.
Coordinated planning and implementation are necessary to ensure proper organization, direction, coordination, and evaluation of all efforts required to handle State and official visits effectively.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is designated as the lead agency for advising and assisting the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating efforts related to foreign relations during such visits.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is responsible for taking charge of all preparations and arrangements for incoming State and Official Visits, including ensuring proper planning, coordination, execution of preparations, security provisions, media coverage, and implementation of Presidential instructions.
The Chairman of Metro Manila Development Authority, Undersecretaries of the Departments of Public Works and Highways, National Defense, Trade and Industry, Interior and Local Government, Tourism, Transportation and Communications, Budget and Management, the Office of the Press Secretary, Chief of Protocol and Social Secretary of the Office of the President, General Manager of Manila International Airport Authority, and the Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group are required to collaborate.
Yes, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs may call on any agency or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, for assistance as needed in the discharge of the Memorandum Order.
The detailed programs must include provisions for security and media coverage during the visits.
Yes, all government agencies are enjoined to cooperate with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to ensure proper implementation of the order.
The Memorandum Order took effect immediately upon its adoption on March 22, 2005.