Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 343)
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas was transferred from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the President by Executive Order No. 343.
Before the transfer, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas was an agency attached to the Department of Foreign Affairs under Republic Act No. 8042 (s. 1996).
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is mandated to formulate general policies for the promotion of the welfare of Filipinos overseas and provide functional direction for its programs and operations.
The transfer was made to effectively oversee and supervise the government's efforts to strengthen the protection of overseas Filipino workers, including protection from domestic recruiters, overseas employers, agents, officials, and from physical harm.
The President invoked Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, which gives the President continuing authority to recognize the administrative structure of the Office of the President.
All executive issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of Executive Order No. 343 are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Executive Order No. 343 took effect immediately upon its issuance on August 5, 2004.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas was created by Batas Pambansa Blg. 79 (s. 1980) and amended by Executive Orders No. 708 (s. 1981), 728 (s. 1981), and 346 (s. 1996).
The Commission plays a critical role in protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos overseas, especially amidst increasing numbers of overseas Filipinos, ensuring protection from exploitation and physical harm.