Creation of the 2010 Philippine Truth Commission

Corruption severely damages the political, economic, and social fabric of the nation.
It particularly harms the poor, marginalized, and underprivileged sectors.
There is an urgent need to investigate and address reports of large-scale corruption from the previous administration.
Objectives include truth-finding, filing appropriate cases, deterrence of corruption, and restoration of public trust.

The Philippine Truth Commission ("the Commission") is created to investigate and find the truth about large-scale graft and corruption.
It targets public officers of third level and higher, accomplices, and private sector participants involved during the previous administration.
The Commission consists of a Chairman and four members acting as an independent collegial body.

Holds powers of an investigative body under Section 37, Chapter 9, Book I of the Administrative Code of 1987.
Tasks include:
- Identifying and determining cases of large-scale graft and corruption.
- Collecting, reviewing, and evaluating evidence.
- Requiring document production from executive agencies, government corporations.
- Obtaining information from legislative and judicial bodies upon proper request.
- Issuing subpoenas, administering oaths, and taking testimonies.
- Recommending use of qualified state witnesses.
- Referring cases with reasonable grounds for prosecution to authorities.
- Requesting assistance from government investigative and prosecutorial agencies.
- Engaging resource persons and professionals for its mandate.
- Promulgating rules and regulations for investigation procedures.
- Exercising all other necessary incidental acts.

The Commission may create its organizational structure and staffing pattern.
Personnel include administrative and technical staff, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, Special Counsel, and Clerk.
Staffing pattern is subject to Department of Budget and Management approval.

The President may detail public officers/personnel from other agencies upon the Commission's recommendation.
Detailed personnel may receive honoraria or allowances as authorized by law.

Commission empowered to hire consultants or advisers as experts to accomplish its mission.

Proceedings governed by rules promulgated by the Commission.
Hearings generally open to the public.
Executive or closed-door hearings may be held when matters of national security, public safety, or witness safety are involved.
The Commission will provide rules governing such hearings.

Witnesses have the right to counsel at any stage of proceedings.
Commission ensures safety of witnesses and may coordinate with law enforcement agencies for protection.

Failure of government officials to appear, take oaths, testify, or produce documents without lawful excuse subjects them to administrative discipline.
Private persons may be punished according to law.

All government entities, including government-owned corporations, must assist the Commission.
Unjustified refusal to cooperate constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.

The Office of the President shall provide necessary funding for effective and efficient Commission operations.
The Commission may use available office space in government buildings or lease private spaces.
May use equipment and furniture from the Office of the President or request purchases if needed.

The Commission's mission duration is set to end on or before December 31, 2012.
A comprehensive final report shall be submitted and published upon Presidential directive.
Special interim reports may be published during the term as directed by the President.

Upon completion, all records, equipment, furniture, and properties acquired by the Commission must be returned to the Office of the President.

The President may extend the Commission's mandate by supplemental Executive Order to include graft and corruption investigations from prior administrations.

If any part of the Order is declared unconstitutional, it shall not affect the remainder's validity.
The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.