Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 04)
The President of the Philippines has the authority to create the Inter-Agency Task Force, as provided by Section 1 of the Executive Order, pursuant to powers vested by the Constitution and existing laws.
The Task Force is composed of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government as chairperson; the Secretary of the Department of Health and the Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board as vice-chairpersons; members include the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and a representative from the Office of the President.
The Task Force determines the type, capacity, and locations of DATRCs; establishes and supports DATRCs; collaborates with local government units for support; submits implementation reports to the Office of the President; issues guidelines for effective implementation; and performs other functions as authorized or directed by the President.
The long-term goal is to have at least one Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province in the Philippines.
LGUs are mandated to cooperate in the establishment and support of DATRCs and in the implementation of community-based rehabilitation programs (CBRPs), including appropriating substantial portions of their budgets for these purposes under existing laws like RA 9165 and the Local Government Code.
The DOH is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of the DATRCs established under the Executive Order, including those within military reservations, and is to coordinate with other agencies and encourage private sector and community participation.
Initial funding shall be sourced from appropriations of the Task Force members and other applicable sources. For succeeding years, budget proposals of concerned agencies shall include the requirements. Agencies may also receive donations and assistance coordinated through the Task Force.
Section 8 provides that if any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
The Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.