QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 44)
It cites Section 11, Article XIII of the Constitution (State responsibility to make essential goods and social services available at affordable costs) and Section 17, Article VII (President’s power of control over executive departments to ensure faithful execution of laws).
EO No. 44 references Paragraph 2, Article II of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), recognizing the fundamental right to be free from hunger and requiring measures to improve methods of production, conservation, and food distribution.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is designated as the primary lead implementing agency.
It provides monetary-based assistance in the form of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores.
It directs relevant NGAs to provide full support and enjoins participating LGUs to cooperate with the DSWD to ensure effective implementation, reflecting a whole-of-government approach.
Relevant NGAs must submit regular reports to the DSWD, and LGUs are enjoined to submit reports to the DSWD through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding program status.
Within thirty (30) working days from the effectivity of the Order.
The DSWD determines the appropriate staffing pattern and qualification standards for additional positions, then submits proposed changes in its organizational structure and staffing pattern to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for review and approval, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Initial funding is charged against current and available appropriations of the DSWD and its partner, subject to budgeting/accounting/auditing laws. Subsequent funding is included in the budget proposals of the agencies subject to the regular budget process.
It reflects the President’s constitutional power of control over executive departments and the mandate to ensure faithful execution of laws (Art. VII, Sec. 17, Constitution).
If any part or provision is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
All orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with EO No. 44 are repealed or modified accordingly.
It takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Publication is important for notice and effectivity of laws/rules.
It formally elevates the Food Stamp Program as a primary national priority under DSWD leadership, guiding government-wide support, implementation, and budgeting priorities.
The DSWD is responsible for undertaking necessary steps including identification of eligible beneficiaries and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps.
Potential issues include regulation of partner merchants, compliance with procurement/payment systems, safeguards against misuse/fraud, eligibility determination standards, and conformity with auditing, budgeting, data privacy, and administrative due process requirements.