Church-State Peace and Human Rights Program

The program institutionalizes partnership between the State and the Church based on mutual respect and reverence for more effective cooperation and coordination.
The framework affirms that the 1987 Constitution protects and allows the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference.
The program recognizes the Church’s indispensable role in alleviating poverty, upholding justice, and protecting human rights.
The program builds on existing fora for coordination to seek lasting solutions for peace and order and human rights issues.

Section 1 creates the Church-Police-Military Liaison Committee (CPMLC) under the Office of the President.
Section 2 provides that the CPMLC is headed by a Chairman appointed by the President with the rank of Secretary.
Section 2 makes the following officials members of the CPMLC:
- the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP)
- the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
- the Chief, National Prosecution Service (NPS)
Section 2 provides that the remaining CPMLC membership is composed of religious aggrupations invited by the President, including:
- One (1) representative from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines
- One (1) representative from the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches
- One (1) representative from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
- One (1) representative from the Ulama-Bishops Conference
- Representatives from other religious aggrupations or faith-based organizations as determined by the President

Section 3 directs the CPMLC to design and implement procedures and mechanisms for effective coordination between the Church and the State to eradicate misunderstanding and antagonism on peace and order and human rights issues.
Section 3 authorizes the CPMLC to conduct seminars, interfaith dialogues, workshops, and capacity building programs to inculcate mutual respect and reverence among the military, police, Church, and faith-based organizations.
Section 3 authorizes the CPMLC to undertake research and studies enabling mutual engagement among the police, military, and the Church for projects and opportunities promoting:
- life, peace and justice
- protection of human rights
- sanctuary programs
- the prevention of and solution to “extrajudicial killings” and enforced disappearances
Section 3 empowers the CPMLC to select personnel from the PNP, AFP, and NPS for detail in the CPMLC Secretariat.
Section 3 authorizes the CPMLC to perform other functions and carry out activities as may be directed by the President.

Section 4 establishes a Secretariat for the CPMLC.
Section 4 provides that the Secretariat is headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Undersecretary.
Section 4 provides that the Executive Director is appointed by the President.
Section 4 assigns the Executive Director responsibility for the Secretariat’s administrative, operational, and technical requirements and activities.

Section 5 directs all government agencies to actively cooperate and support the CPMLC.
Section 5 allows the CPMLC to call upon any agency of the government for assistance and cooperation in discharging its functions.
Section 6 provides that, subject to government accounting and auditing procedures, the CPMLC receives an initial allocation of Ten Million Pesos (Php10, 000,000.00) for CY 2009.
Section 6 provides that the Php10, 000,000.00 initial allocation is drawn from the President’s Contingency Fund and from government savings.
Section 6 provides that appropriations for succeeding years are incorporated in the budget proposal of the Office of the President.

Section 7 establishes a separability rule: if any portion or provision of Executive Order No. 847 is declared unconstitutional, the remaining portions remain effective as long as they can still be given effect.
Section 8 revokes, amends, or modifies inconsistent executive orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof.
Section 9 implements the effectivity rule: fifteen (15) days after publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.