QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 426)
To transfer/specify that supervision over the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in the field of trade, investment, and other economic matters shall be exercised by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) instead of being under the Office of the President.
The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Because DTI is the primary coordinative, promotive, facilitative, and regulatory arm of the Executive Branch for trade, industry, and investment, and supervision by the DTI Secretary is necessary for coordination of policies and programs between the relevant entities in those fields.
Trade, investment, and other economic matters.
MECO was established to promote cooperation, among others, in the field of economic, trade, and cultural matters between the Philippines and Taiwan on a people-to-people basis.
It repeals, modifies, or amends Executive Order No. 328 (s. 2004) and all other inconsistent issuances, rules, and regulations accordingly.
It repeals, modifies, or amends EO No. 328 (s. 2004) and all other Executive Orders, issuances, rules, and regulations that are inconsistent with EO 426.
The text states: “by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,” referring to the President’s authority to issue executive orders.
Immediately.
Because the Order’s aim is to align and coordinate policies and programs in trade and investment matters through the appropriate agency (DTI), while maintaining MECO’s existing structure and functions subject to policy supervision.
It indicates MECO’s cooperative approach between the Philippines and Taiwan, emphasizing interpersonal/constituent-level cooperation alongside formal economic and trade relations.
The President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, signed it; the Executive Secretary, Eduardo R. Ermita, attested by signing “By the President.”
It is an issuance of the President under constitutional/statutory authority that has binding effect like a legal instrument, especially when it reorganizes administrative supervision or directives within the Executive Branch.