Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 4)
The President of the Philippines has the authority to create the Inter-Agency Task Force for the establishment of DATRCs, as vested by Section 17, Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The Task Force is composed of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (Chairperson), the Secretary of the Department of Health and the Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (Vice-Chairpersons), and members from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Budget and Management, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and a representative of the Office of the President.
The Task Force determines the types, capacities, and suitable locations of DATRCs, establishes DATRCs and supports their operations, coordinates with local government units, submits reports to the Office of the President, issues guidelines for implementation, and performs other functions as directed by the President.
The long-term goal is to have at least one Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in every province.
LGUs have the responsibility to appropriate a substantial portion of their annual budgets to assist in or enhance enforcement of the Dangerous Drugs Act, prioritizing preventive, educational, and rehabilitation programs, and to approve ordinances for the care of drug dependents, including establishing and operating relevant centers and facilities.
The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing the DATRCs, including those established in military reservations.
Yes, the DOH is encouraged to coordinate with other agencies and encourage participation of the private sector, non-government organizations, and faith communities in managing and supporting the DATRCs.
Initial funding shall come from appropriations of Task Force members and other applicable funding sources. Subsequent funding will be incorporated into the budget proposals of concerned agencies. Departments and agencies may also receive donations and assistance for relevant purposes, coordinated through the Task Force.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting according to the separability clause.
All orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.