Law Summary

Introduction

This Executive Order establishes the Presidential Assistant for Regional Concerns (PARECOs) to enhance governmental decentralization and improve service delivery at the local level.

Creation of PARECOs

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes the PARECOs as liaison officers of the President in designated regions.
• Key Definitions:
  • Presidential Assistant for Regional Concerns (PARECO): Appointed officials serving specific regions.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Appointment of PARECOs for specific areas including Northern Luzon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, North and South Eastern Mindanao, and Western and Central Mindanao.
• Consequences: Enables direct communication and coordination between the Office of the President and local governments.

Abolition of Previous Structures

• Legal Principle/Provision: Abolishes existing extension offices and the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) System.
• Key Definitions:
  • Extension Offices: Previously established offices in Mindanao and Visayas.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Transfer of assets from the abolished offices to the Office of the President.
• Consequences: Streamlines operations and removes redundancy in administrative functions.

Functions, Powers, and Responsibilities of PARECOs

• Legal Principle/Provision: Defines the scope of responsibilities for the PARECOs.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Address socio-economic and political issues, monitor critical projects, assist in presidential visits, and undertake other duties as assigned.
• Consequences: Facilitates timely response to regional concerns by the Office of the President.

Rank and Emolument of PARECOs

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes the rank and salary of PARECOs.
• Key Definitions:
  • Assistant Secretary (Director V): Salary grade for PARECOs.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • PARECOs shall receive compensation equivalent to that of an Assistant Secretary.

Operating Principles

• Legal Principle/Provision: Clarifies that PARECOs will not duplicate existing governmental functions.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • PARECOs are to be members of regional bodies but cannot hold leadership positions in these councils.
• Consequences: Ensures PARECOs serve as facilitators rather than regulators, maintaining a non-bureaucratic role.

Technical and Administrative Support

• Legal Principle/Provision: Outlines administrative support structure for PARECOs.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • PARECOs will operate from NEDA offices with allocated technical and administrative staff.
• Consequences: Supports effective regional operations through adequate staffing and resources.

Fund Requirement

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes funding mechanisms for PARECOs.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Budget allocations for PARECOs will come from the existing budget for former extension offices.
• Consequences: Ensures financial resources are available for the effective functioning of PARECOs.

Implementing Guidelines

• Legal Principle/Provision: Directs the creation of guidelines to operationalize the PARECOs.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Detailed implementing guidelines are attached to the Executive Order.

Repealing Clause

• Legal Principle/Provision: Nullifies conflicting orders and regulations.
• Consequences: Ensures consistency in the application of this Executive Order.

Effectivity

• Legal Principle/Provision: States the immediate effect of the Executive Order.
• Timeframe: Effective immediately upon signing.

Key Takeaways

• Establishment of PARECOs enhances local governance and service delivery by appointing regional liaison officers.
• Abolishment of previous structures aims to streamline operations and eliminate redundancy.
• PARECOs have defined responsibilities, rank, and financial provisions ensuring their operational effectiveness.
• The order emphasizes non-duplication of functions and the provision of support to foster collaboration among various government entities.