Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 57)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 57, s. 2011 is to establish the National Coast Watch System (NCWS) as the central inter-agency mechanism for coordinated maritime security operations and governance of the country's maritime domain.
The Executive Secretary chairs the National Coast Watch Council.
Members include the Secretaries of Transportation and Communications, National Defense, Foreign Affairs, the Interior and Local Government, Justice, Energy, Finance, Environment and Natural Resources, and Agriculture.
The Council provides strategic direction and policy guidelines for maritime security, conducts periodic reviews, recommends policies to the President, harmonizes capability plans and fund requirements, coordinates inter-agency roles, enlists support from other government agencies, promulgates necessary rules, and performs other functions as directed by the President or Chairperson.
The Secretariat provides technical and administrative support to the Council, assists in legislative and administrative proposal reviews, supports inter-agency committees and working groups, and performs tasks directed by the Council.
The Center gathers and disseminates maritime security information, maintains communication systems, coordinates maritime surveillance and response operations, plans and monitors maritime security operations, coordinates cross-border cooperation, supports prosecution of violators, develops maritime situational awareness, and conducts periodic assessments.
The Philippine Coast Guard heads the National Coast Watch Center.
Support agencies include the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime.
The Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs (CMOA) was abolished, and its mandates and functions were transferred to the National Coast Watch Council.
The initial funding of Php 20,000,000.00 is sourced from the Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF) of the Department of Energy, to be released by the Department of Budget and Management subject to certification from the Bureau of Treasury and applicable government budgetary rules.
Yes, the Council and the Center are authorized to accept donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts from domestic or foreign sources relevant to their mandates, subject to applicable laws and government auditing rules.
The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.