QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 237)
It reorganizes the existing Cabinet Secretariat by defining its powers, functions, and structure, and strengthening technical support to the President for Cabinet deliberations.
It is created as an integral part of the Office of the President.
To strengthen the Office of the President structurally and functionally by providing technical support to the Cabinet, the President’s primary advisory council.
Examples include: (1) assisting in providing timely and organized information to the Cabinet; (2) providing conference and administrative support to the Cabinet and related bodies (Cabinet Clusters, Cabinet Assistance System, other Cabinet committees); (3) at the instance of the Cabinet, conducting technical research and special studies on policy issues; (4) maintaining an efficient records management system including Cabinet Archives and a library; (5) certifying Cabinet resolutions; and (6) performing other functions directed by the President or provided by law.
Through a high-level support staff, it assists in establishing agenda topics for Cabinet deliberations or facilitates discussion during Cabinet meetings.
It is headed by a Cabinet Secretariat (i.e., Cabinet Secretary) assisted by one Cabinet Undersecretary. The Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Undersecretary must have the rank of a Secretary and Undersecretary, respectively.
Both are appointed by the President.
Two staffs: (1) the Technical Affairs Staff, and (2) the Conference Affairs Staff. Each is headed by a Presidential Staff Director appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Cabinet Secretary.
The Cabinet Secretary is authorized to delineate and assign the respective functional areas of responsibilities of the Technical Affairs Staff and the Conference Affairs Staff.
The Cabinet Secretary must ensure that only highly-qualified technical and professional people are appointed.
To the extent possible, subject to qualification standards prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary, the Cabinet Secretariat shall draw its personnel from the existing Cabinet Secretariat in the Office of the President.
Upon approval of EO 237, officers and employees continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities in a hold-over capacity and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits.
Within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the approval of EO 237 and the authorized positions created.
They are deemed separated from the service. They receive retirement benefits they may be entitled to under existing laws, rules, and regulations; otherwise, they are paid the equivalent of one (1) month basic salary for every year of service (or nearest fraction), based on the highest salary received, with a cap of twelve (12) months’ salary.
All applicable appropriations and plantilla items of the Cabinet Secretariat in those defunct offices are transferred to the Cabinet Secretariat.
All applicable records, assets, and equipment of the Cabinet Secretariat in the defunct Office of the Prime Minister and the then Cabinet Standing Committee are transferred to the Cabinet Secretariat.
The Cabinet Secretary may call upon assistance of any department, bureau, office, agency, committee, council, or instrumentality of government as may be needed.
It takes effect immediately upon its approval.