QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 233)
The EO cites Section 31, Chapter 10, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, which recognizes the President’s continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President and transfer an agency under it to another department or agency.
The Executive Order covers the Livelihood Corporation (LIVECOR), the Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC), and all their subsidiaries, except the Guarantee Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises (GFSME).
They are attached for “supervision, control and policy/program coordination” to the Department of Agriculture.
The GFSME is excluded from attachment to the Department of Agriculture and is instead attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for supervision, control, and policy/program coordination.
Because EO 233 states that GFSME’s functions are homogeneous with those of the Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBGFC), which is attached to the DTI; thus, GFSME is to be consolidated with SBGFC.
GFSME is attached to the Department of Trade and Industry, for the purpose of consolidating its activities with those of the SBGFC; the DTI is mandated to take steps to effect the consolidation.
The Secretary of Agriculture is designated ex-officio Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of both LIVECOR and HSDC.
It ensures direct participation and leadership by the Secretary of Agriculture in the governance structure of LIVECOR and HSDC, aligning their operations with agriculture-related livelihood and support objectives.
The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to reorganize, streamline, merge, deactivate or dispose of assets of the corporations, subject to existing laws.
Separation or other benefits owing to affected personnel shall be paid from available funds in the corporations; if insufficient, the Department of Budget and Management shall provide the needed funds.
It provides the administrative starting point: LIVECOR and HSDC were previously attached to the Office of the Executive Secretary, and EO 233 now changes their attachment to another department (DA or DTI for GFSME).
LIVECOR is created under Executive Order No. 866 (1983); HSDC is created under Presidential Decree No. 1386 (1973).
To rationalize and streamline the livelihood sector to provide a comprehensive livelihood program and services to the poor, strengthen food security capability, and improve cohesive coordination among agri-related agencies.
It repeals, amends, or modifies laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with EO 233.
It takes effect immediately.
It indicates that the attached agencies remain distinct entities but are placed under the DA’s broader administrative direction for policy and program alignment and managerial oversight, rather than being outright abolished or transferred as departments.
It demonstrates the President’s reorganization authority under the Administrative Code, the use of attachment for administrative integration, and the practical governance effects (board chairmanship, consolidation mandates, and handling of personnel benefits).