Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 20)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 20, s. 2023, is to establish the Presidential Help Desk to address requests for financial and medical assistance submitted by the public to the Office of the President, complementing existing government health projects and services.
The establishment of the Presidential Help Desk is justified under Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, making essential goods and health services accessible and affordable.
The Presidential Help Desk shall be administered by the Presidential Action Center (PACe).
A Project Coordinator, who reports directly to the Head of the PACe, is tasked with ensuring the day-to-day implementation of the Presidential Help Desk is managed effectively, efficiently, and economically.
The PACe must submit an annual report to the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, detailing the operations and accomplishments of the Presidential Help Desk.
The Head of the PACe shall determine the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards, and the PACe shall coordinate with the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration to submit a proposal to the Department of Budget and Management for review and approval.
The funding necessary for the implementation of the Presidential Help Desk shall be charged against appropriate OP funding sources, subject to budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules, and subsequent funding requests will be included in the OP's budget proposals.
If any section or part of the Executive Order is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Executive Order No. 20 took effect immediately upon its signing on March 21, 2023.