Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 47)
The main purpose is to reorganize, rename, and transfer the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and its attached agencies to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to strengthen alignment of ICT development with the department's thrust for innovation and global competitiveness.
The CICT was originally under the Office of the President before being transferred to the Department of Science and Technology.
The CICT was renamed as the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO).
The ICTO is headed by an Executive Director with the rank of an Undersecretary, reporting directly to the DOST Secretary.
The positions of Chairman and Commissioners of the CICT were abolished under this Executive Order.
Key functions include formulating and implementing ICT policies, ensuring efficient ICT infrastructure, conducting research and development in partnership with academe, building public sector capacity in ICT use, formulating the Government Information System Plan, administering the E-Governance Fund, and performing related ICT functions.
The National Computer Center (NCC) and the Telecommunications Office (TELOF) were transferred to the Department of Science and Technology and integrated into the ICTO structure.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHILPOST) remain under the Office of the President.
The DOST Secretary is directed to submit a rationalization plan within three months for medium-term ICT development planning, organizational restructuring of ICTO, budget reconfiguration, and personnel safety nets.
The rationalization plan must provide safety nets for affected personnel including retention, redeployment, retirement, and other benefits in accordance with civil service laws and build the capacity of ICTO manpower.
Yes, all personnel whose functions are not abolished shall continue to perform their functions as may be assigned by the DOST Secretary pending approval of the rationalization plan.
The President invokes Article VII, Section 17 of the Constitution, which grants power and control over executive departments and the authority to reorganize them.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other unaffected provisions remain valid and subsisting.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.