Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 216)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is designated as the main channel through which other government agencies shall transmit their communications to the United Nations, its specialized agencies, subsidiary bodies, and other international organizations.
The agencies include the Departments of Justice, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Public Works and Communications (Bureau of Posts), Education, Labor, National Defense (Philippine Coast Guard), Health, Commerce and Industry (Bureau of Commerce, Bureau of the Census and Statistics, Sugar Quota Administration, Philippine Patent Office, Weather Bureau, Civil Aeronautics Board), Social Welfare, the Presidential Economic Staff, National Economic Council, Presidential Arm on Community Development, Land Authority, National Science Development Board, Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, University of the Philippines, and other concerned government offices.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs chairs the periodic meetings of concerned government agencies.
The three primary functions are: (a) review and formulate policies on various programs and projects of the United Nations and other international organizations; (b) decide on priorities to be accorded to such programs and projects; and (c) find ways and means to improve inter-departmental coordination related to the United Nations and other international organizations and conferences.
The rationale is to coordinate policies and actions concerning the United Nations and international organizations at the national level to obtain maximum benefits from the Philippines' membership in these organizations, especially as emphasized by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
EO No. 216 does not specify any penalties for non-compliance by government agencies; rather, it is an order emphasizing priority and prompt attention through coordination.
Government agencies must prioritize and promptly attend to all matters concerning the participation of the Philippine Government in activities of the United Nations family of organizations and other international organizations and conferences.
Alejandro Melchor acted as the Executive Secretary who signed EO No. 216 by the President.