Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 175)
The Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement is renamed as the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces.
The Commission serves as the lead inter-agency mechanism to provide policy coordination, advice, guidance, and assessment to ensure that all Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) serve the national interest.
SOFA refers to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia, and any future status of forces agreements included in the Commission’s mandate by presidential order or directive.
The Commission is composed of the Executive Secretary (Chairman), Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Vice-Chairman), Secretary of National Defense (Vice-Chairman), Secretary of Justice, Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, Secretary of Interior and Local Government, VFACOM Executive Director, and one representative from the private sector appointed by the President.
The Commission's powers include ensuring respect for Philippine laws and SOFAs, coordinating IRRs, monitoring activities of foreign personnel, assessing impacts, providing assistance to claimants, conducting information campaigns, submitting annual reports, recommending policies, and providing advice during negotiations.
The Executive Director, appointed by the President, reports directly to the Chairman and has operational and supervisory authority over all Commission personnel and supporting agency personnel.
An initial amount of Forty Million Pesos (P40,000,000.00) is appropriated from the Contingent Fund, with subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
The Commission assesses the environmental, social, health, and safety impact of activities under SOFAs and proposes recommendations to mitigate any adverse effects.
The Commission shall engage local private sector and non-government organizations based in areas where SOFA-related activities will be held to assist in its duties and responsibilities.
The Commission is under the control and supervision of the President of the Philippines.