Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 543)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 543 is to delegate to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) the power to approve reclamation projects, a power previously exercised by the President.
The Public Estates Authority (PEA) was originally responsible for reclamation projects before it was renamed as the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
The Philippine Reclamation Authority, through its governing board, is delegated the power to approve reclamation projects.
Yes, reclamation contracts to be executed with any person or entity must go through public bidding as a condition of the delegation of approval power.
Yes, the Executive Order explicitly states that nothing in it shall diminish the President's authority to modify, amend, or nullify the PRA's actions.
All executive issuances inconsistent with Executive Order No. 543 are repealed or amended accordingly.
The PRA’s approval power is subject to compliance with existing laws and rules and the requirement that reclamation contracts must undergo public bidding.
Executive Order No. 543 took effect immediately on June 24, 2006.
Paragraph 2 of Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987 grants the President the power to transfer any function under the Office of the President to any Department or agency.
Reclamation projects of national government agencies authorized under their charter must be undertaken in consultation with the PRA and are subject to the President's approval, unless otherwise delegated.