Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 165)
The primary purpose of Memorandum Order No. 165 is to direct the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to take charge of preparations and arrangements for all incoming State and Official Visits to the Philippines by Heads of States and other foreign dignitaries to ensure coordinated planning and implementation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is designated as the lead agency that advises and assists the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating activities related to foreign relations, including all State and Official Visits.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is responsible for taking charge of preparations and arrangements, coordinating with relevant agencies, preparing detailed programs for State or Official Visits, ensuring provisions for security and media coverage, and calling on any government agency for assistance as needed.
The Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Undersecretaries of Public Works and Highways, National Defense, Trade and Industry, Interior and Local Government, Tourism, Transportation and Communications, Budget and Management, the Office of the Press Secretary, Chief of Protocol of the Office of the President, Social Secretary of the Office of the President, General Manager of Manila International Airport Authority, and the Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group are required to collaborate fully.
The scope covers all preparations and arrangements for incoming State and Official Visits to the Philippines by Heads of States and other foreign dignitaries, including planning, security, media coverage, and implementation of Presidential instructions during the visits.
Yes, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs may call on any government agency or instrumentality, including government-owned and controlled corporations, for assistance as needed in the discharge of the memorandum's functions.
The Memorandum Order No. 165 is issued by the Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita by authority of the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Memorandum Order No. 165 took effect immediately upon its signing on March 22, 2005.
The Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group is directed to collaborate in ensuring proper planning, coordination, and execution of preparations and arrangements for the security aspect of State or Official Visits.
Yes, all government agencies are enjoined to cooperate with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to ensure proper implementation and coordination of all activities related to incoming State and Official Visits.