QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 121)
EO No. 121 recalls that reorganization is mandated in Article II, Section 1(a) and Article III of the 1987 Freedom Constitution, and it is also issued under the powers vested in the President by that Constitution.
The PSS consists of statistical organizations at all administrative levels, the personnel therein, and the national statistical program; it includes a policy-making and coordinating body, a statistical research and training center, a single general-purpose statistical agency, and all government agencies and GOCCs engaged in statistical activities, maintaining decentralization with stronger coordination.
The NSCB is the highest policy-making and coordinating body on statistical matters. It formulates policies, allocates statistical responsibilities, approves the Philippine Statistical Development Program, and provides the coordination mechanism for the decentralized system.
Decisions of the NSCB on statistical matters are final and executory.
They include: NEDA Director-General (Chairman); Deputy Minister of MBM (Vice-Chairman); one representative each from remaining Ministries (rank of Deputy Minister); Deputy Governor of the Central Bank; Administrator of the NSO; Secretary General of the NSCB; Director of the Statistical Research and Training Center; Governor/City Mayor nominated by the League (as member); and one private sector member elected by the Board for three years.
It promotes an efficient statistical system; formulates policies; recommends legislative/executive measures; establishes coordination mechanisms by level; approves the development program; allocates statistical responsibilities (including periodicity and content); reviews and clears funds for statistical operations; develops frameworks to improve coordination; and prescribes uniform standards and classification systems.
EO No. 121 states that the NSCB shall not engage directly in any basic data collection activity.
It provides technical and secretarial support to the NSCB, serves as the statistical clearing house and liaison for international statistical matters, and performs other assigned functions necessary to carry out EO No. 121.
The National Census and Statistics Office is renamed the National Statistics Office (NSO). It is the major general-purpose statistical agency and undertakes censuses and surveys designated by the NSCB.
It develops integrated research and training programs; undertakes research on statistical concepts/methodologies; promotes collaborative research among academics, data producers and users; conducts non-degree training to upgrade statistical personnel; and provides financial and other assistance for statistical R&D.
The Secretary General of the NSCB is Chairman, with members including the NSO Administrator, Director of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Dean of the UP Statistical Center, Executive Director of the Philippine Social Science Council, a representative of NEDA, and the Director of the SRTC as ex-officio member.
Transfer of a unit includes functions, appropriations/funds, records, equipment/facilities, choses in action, rights and liabilities, and personnel (who continue in hold-over capacity) unless separated under EO No. 17 (1986) or Article III of the Freedom Constitution; those whose positions are not included in the new staffing pattern or not reappointed are deemed separated with defined benefits.
The NSCB Chairman must approve and prescribe the new position structure and staffing pattern within 120 days from the approval of EO No. 121.
They receive retirement benefits under existing laws if entitled; otherwise, they are paid one-month basic salary for every year of service (or nearest favorable fraction), capped at the equivalent of 12 months salary.
No court or administrative body may issue any writ, preliminary injunction, or restraining order to enjoin the separation/replacement of officers or employees effected under the Executive Order.
Subject to existing confidentiality laws/rules, individuals or institutions may access unpublished data, but the requesting party assumes the cost incurred, consistent with existing laws and rules.
Agencies conducting statistical inquiries must ensure timely release of results to the public in compliance with the statistical calendar approved by the NSCB. All government agencies must adopt statistical standards prescribed by the NSCB, including standard concepts/definitions, techniques/procedures, and classification systems.
If the change is substantial/material and prejudices third persons with rights recognized by law or contract such that creditor notice/consent is required by an agreement, compliance (notice or consent) must be made before implementation.