QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 561)
The EO states it is issued “by virtue of the powers vested in me by law.” This reflects the President’s constitutional/ statutory authority to exercise executive powers, particularly administrative reorganization/coordination measures to implement national development priorities, without claiming to amend existing laws on political boundaries.
No. Section 1 explicitly provides that the groupings “neither supersede current political boundaries nor alter the regional development councils as established by existing laws and issuances.”
It is composed of Regions I, II, CAR, and the northern part of the provinces of Aurora (north of Baler), Tarlac (north of Tarlac City), Nueva Ecija (north of Cabanatuan City), and Zambales (north of Subic).
It includes NCR, Region IV-A, and the provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the southern parts of Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija.
Regions V, VI, VII, VIII; provinces of Romblon, Palawan, and Camiguin; and the Island of Siargao.
It includes Regions IX, X except Camiguin, XI, XII, Caraga except Siargao, and ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).
It traverses the “super” regions from Baguio to Cebu to Davao, serving as a thematic/economic corridor for ICT and the knowledge economy.
No. It states the groupings “neither supersede current political boundaries nor alter the regional development councils.” The RDECs remain as established by existing laws and issuances.
Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle—Agribusiness; Luzon Urban Beltway—Globally competitive industrial and service center; Central Philippines—Tourism; Agribusiness Mindanao—Agribusiness; Cyber Corridor—Information and communication technology and knowledge economy.
To serve as catalyst for development and prime advocate of the strategic development theme in his area.
They must ensure implementation of priority programs and projects identified in the 2006 State of the Nation Address and the MTPIP, collaborate with LGUs and concerned agencies/partners, and work out operational policies and remedial actions to ensure projects are completed on schedule and at lowest cost to government.
A monthly report to the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) on overall project implementation accomplishments, issues/problems, and recommended solutions.
They may call on NEDA, DBM, PMS, and the Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force for any assistance, including information or data requirements; they may also call other agencies and GOCCs and government financial institutions to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation.
All Regional Development Councils shall assist the Development Champions in performing their duties and responsibilities.
North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle—PMS Director-General Arthur Yap; Luzon Urban Beltway—Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan; Central Philippines—Secretary of Tourism Joseph Ace Durano (and Secretary Cerge Remonde as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development of region VII); Agribusiness Mindanao—Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza; Cyber Corridor—Commission on Information and Communication Technology Chairman Ramon Sales.
No special appropriation is created in EO 561; Section 6 states that operational requirements shall be supported by the budget of the agencies that the Development Champions head.
It takes effect immediately.
It emphasizes that for the first time in almost a decade the budget is under control, deficits are being lowered and revenues raised; it references balanced budget commitments by 2008–2010, and notes infrastructure initiatives in the MTPIP will cost over P1 trillion, funded by government revenues and partnerships/private and bilateral/multilateral support—leading to restructuring into super regions to bolster advantages of distinct subeconomy regions.