Law Summary
Creation and Territorial Coverage of CAR
- Establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for immediate administrative organization.
- CAR to cover provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, Mt. Province, and Baguio City.
- Baguio City designated as the initial seat of CAR.
Purposes of CAR
- Administer government affairs within the region.
- Accelerate economic and social development.
- Prepare for the establishment of the autonomous region in the Cordilleras.
Scope of Authority and Responsibility
- Authority over regional administrative systems, development in economic, social, cultural, agricultural sectors.
- Development and promotion of tourism, infrastructure, urban/rural development, protection of ancestral domain and land reform.
- Educational policies to preserve indigenous cultures and values.
- Health, sports, welfare, social services management.
- Development and preservation of indigenous laws, political institutions, cultural identities, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Promotion of social justice and human rights protection.
Powers and Functions
- Coordination with local governments and national executive departments.
- Appointment, supervision, discipline of CAR personnel.
- Management of CAR funds and assets.
- Advisory role to the National Government on Cordillera matters.
- Codification of tribal customary laws.
- Promulgation of rules for effective CAR governance.
Peace and Security
- Maintenance of peace and security a primary concern.
- Organization of a regional security force under Presidential guidelines.
- Overall defense and security remain National Government’s responsibility.
Governance Structure
- CAR composed of a Cordillera Regional Assembly and a Cordillera Executive Board.
Cordillera Regional Assembly
- Policy-formulating body to harmonize regional interests.
- Up to 250 representatives including municipal, city, NGO, and tribal representatives.
- Appointment by President with nominations from local councils.
- Annual regular sessions and provisions for special sessions.
- Functions include reviewing reports, planning, policy formulation, and conflict resolution.
Cordillera Executive Board
- Implementing and development body of CAR.
- Comprises 29 appointed members including mayors, governors, tribal and NGO representatives.
- Regional directors as ex-officio, non-voting members.
Executive Director
- Head of the Executive Board appointed by the President.
- Acts as Chief Executive Officer of CAR.
- Oversees operations, supervises personnel, coordinates committees, and reports.
Executive Committees
- Created by the Executive Board to assist in powers and functions.
- Each headed by an Executive Board member.
Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA)
- Incorporated as a commission within CAR.
- Promotes tribal customs, unity, traditional governance, economic systems.
- Performs Executive Committee functions.
- Supervised by the Cordillera Executive Board.
Budget and Compensation
- Initial allocation of PHP 5 million for 1987; subsequent budgets included in General Appropriations Act.
- Allowances and compensation for Assembly and Executive Board members as prescribed by the President.
Civil Service and Exemptions
- Possible exemptions from Civil Service rules subject to Civil Service Commission approval.
Duration and Terms of Office
- CAR exists until permanent autonomous regional government established by Congress.
- Terms of officials coterminous with CAR existence; elected officials serve concurrent elected terms.
Rules of Procedure
- Both Assembly and Executive Board to adopt rules of procedure, discipline, organization, and sessions by majority vote.
Project Implementation and Monitoring
- CAR responsible for monitoring national and local projects within its scope.
Funds, Taxes, and Revenue Sharing
- CAR to receive equitable share of taxes and revenues generated within its territory.
- Distribution includes shares for barangays, municipalities, provinces/cities, and CAR itself.
Grants and Donations
- Authorized to receive grants, donations, or gifts administered per specified terms or Executive Board decisions.
Relationship with National Government
- President retains general supervision; may issue guidelines and call for national agency assistance.
- Executive Director to submit semi-annual reports to the President.
Transitional Provisions
- Conduct study on territorial coverage of future autonomous region.
- Assist in forming Cordillera Regional Consultative Commission.
- Main offices located in Baguio City until otherwise determined.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Provisions are separable; invalidity of one does not affect others.
- Laws and regulations inconsistent with the EO repealed or amended for CAR’s duration.
Effectivity
- Effective immediately upon signing and publication as required by law.