Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 175)
The PCVF is the renamed Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Agreement (PCVFA) under the Office of the President, tasked as the lead inter-agency mechanism for 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 with Australia (SOVFA), and future status of forces agreements that may be included in the Commission's mandate by order or directive of the President.
The Commission shall provide policy coordination, advice, guidance, and assessment to ensure respect for Philippine laws, compliance with SOFAs, and serve national interests regarding foreign visiting forces.
The Commission is composed of the Executive Secretary (Chairman), Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense (Vice-Chairmen), Secretaries of Justice, Social Welfare and Development, and Interior and Local Government (Members), the VFACOM Executive Director (Member), and one representative from the private sector appointed by the President (Member).
The Commission must ensure compliance with SOFAs, coordinate issuance of Implementing Rules and Regulations, monitor foreign military activities, organize local coordinating committees, assess impacts of activities, coordinate assistance for damages or injuries, and educate the public, among others.
The Commission coordinates guidelines on entry, stay and departure of personnel; movement of vessels, aircraft, and vehicles; protection of public health and safety; environmental preservation; disposition of military equipment; and prosecution of offenses during SOFA activities.
The Commission assesses environmental, social, health, and safety impacts of activities under SOFAs and provides recommendations to mitigate negative effects.
The Executive Director is appointed by the President, reports to the Chairman, and exercises operational and supervisory authority over all Commission personnel and agency personnel detailed to the Commission.
An initial amount of Forty Million Pesos (P40,000,000.00) shall be appropriated from the Contingent Fund for the Commission's expanded operations, with subsequent funding included in the General Appropriations Act.
The Commission shall engage local private sector and non-government organizations based in the areas where activities related to SOFAs are held, ensuring their involvement in its duties and responsibilities.
Under the separability clause, if any provision is invalid or unconstitutional, all other provisions unaffected shall remain valid and subsisting.