Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 247)
Executive Order No. 247 seeks to implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit, signed on December 16, 1998, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Secretary of Transportation and Communications is tasked to coordinate national transit transport, prepare recommendations and policy advice on transit transport related to international trade, and issue implementing rules and regulations within 60 calendar days from the order's effectivity.
Officials assisting the Secretary include the Assistant Secretary of the Office of ASEAN Affairs (Department of Foreign Affairs), Undersecretary for Planning (Department of Public Works and Highways), Commissioner (Bureau of Customs), Administrator (Maritime Industry Authority), General Managers of Philippine Ports Authority, Cebu Ports Authority, Manila International Airport Authority, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, and the Executive Director of the Civil Aeronautics Board.
The order seeks to provide a consultative forum at the national level for a concerted effort to simplify and harmonize formalities, procedures, and documentation pertaining to transit transport in international trade.
The three objectives are: a) providing a national consultative forum to simplify and harmonize transit transport processes, b) proposing responsive transit transport and trade policies, rules, regulations, and practices, and c) increasing public awareness and acceptance of transit transport practices in both public and private sectors.
Article 29.1 requires each ASEAN member country to establish a National Transit Transport Coordinating Committee (NTTCC) to effectively and efficiently coordinate, monitor, and implement the Framework Agreement.
According to Section 6, if any provision is held invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain valid and continue to be in force and effect.
Executive Order No. 247 took effect immediately upon its signing on October 28, 2003.