Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2206)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 388 is to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the Press Secretary by separating the functions of the Presidential Spokesman from the other functions of the Press Secretary.
The Office of the Press Secretary is organized under Executive Order No. 297, dated July 25, 1987, and operates under the Office of the President pursuant to Republic Act No. 6688 (1989 General Appropriations Act) and Section 30, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292).
The Press Secretary's functions include providing information about the President's plans, programs, and activities to the public; maintaining liaison with government departments; developing communication programs on policies and programs of the Presidency; coordinating with local and foreign media; assuming responsibility for the Office's operations; establishing policies and standards; promulgating rules and regulations; exercising direct supervision over all units under the Office; delegating authority; and performing other functions as provided by law or assigned by the President.
The separation allows specialization and clarity in roles by distinguishing the Presidential Spokesman's role from the broader functions of the Press Secretary, ensuring more efficient and focused handling of presidential information dissemination and communication.
The position of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel in the Office of the President is reclassified from Presidential Assistant I (rank of department undersecretary) to Presidential Assistant II (rank of department secretary), exercising the dual functions of Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
The President has continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President, subject to policy in the Executive Office, in order to achieve simplicity, economy, and efficiency.
The Press Secretary is directly responsible for accomplishing the Office's objectives and operations, establishing policies and standards, promulgating necessary rules and regulations, supervising and controlling all units under the Office, and delegating authority as needed.
The Press Secretary coordinates with both local and foreign media to disseminate information regarding the affairs of the Presidency.
The Press Secretary may delegate authority for the performance of any function to officers and employees who are under his direction.
Executive Order No. 388 took effect immediately upon its signing on December 30, 1989.