Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 133)
The national policy is to pursue a private sector-based growth strategy centered on socially responsible deregulation of business, encouraging private initiative, creating a competitive economic environment, and assuring equal opportunity to all members of the business community.
The DTI is the primary coordinative, promotive, facilitative, and regulatory arm of the government for the country’s trade, industry, and investment activities, acting as a catalyst for intensified private sector activity to accelerate and sustain economic growth.
(a) Plan, implement and coordinate government activities related to trade, industry, and investments; (b) formulate and administer policies for investment priorities and incentives; (c) promote domestic and foreign trade, including export promotion and regulation of industrial property rights.
The Secretary of Trade and Industry, who is appointed by the President, is vested with the authority and responsibility to exercise the Department’s mandate and powers.
They advise the Secretary; supervise offices and services under their authority; formulate office rules and regulations consistent with Department policies; coordinate activities among units; exercise delegated authority; and perform other functions as assigned.
The Department is composed of the Department Proper, National Service Centers, Regional Offices, and Line Corporate Agencies and Government Entities.
They implement laws, rules, policies, and programs of the Department within their regions; provide service to the public; coordinate with other government and local offices; and perform other assigned functions.
The Bureau of Industrial Development, Philippine Cement Industry Authority, Commission for Heavy Engineering Industries, and others were abolished, with their functions transferred to relevant units in the Department or attached agencies.
Personnel whose positions are not included or who are not reappointed are deemed separated from service and entitled to retirement benefits or separation pay equivalent to one-month basic salary per year of service up to twelve months.
Notice to or consent of creditors or third persons must be complied with prior to implementing such reorganizational changes if required by agreements.
The Secretary can promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives and policies and enforce compliance with such rules.
It examines and issues patents and trademarks, adjudicates contested proceedings affecting these rights, processes technology transfer arrangements, and publishes patents and trademarks.
The Department formulates country and product export strategies, promotes overseas Philippine exports, negotiates international trade agreements affecting exports, and implements programs for export growth and development.
Transferred functions include appropriate funds, assets, and personnel who continue in hold-over capacity until reappointed or separated; funds revert to the General Fund if units are abolished; separated personnel receive benefits as prescribed.
To formulate and enforce a system that objectively measures and evaluates the Department’s performance and to submit an annual report to the President.