Composition of the Commission
- Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
- Co-chaired by a private sector representative appointed by the President.
- Includes key cabinet secretaries and heads from various government departments (Foreign Affairs, Finance, Agriculture, Transportation and Communications, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and Employment, Agrarian Reform).
- Includes the Director General of NEDA, Press Secretary, BSP Governor, Head of Presidential Legislative Liaison Office.
- Eleven private sector representatives from diverse sectors such as industry, agriculture, labor, banking, export, academe, research, and consumers.
- Members may designate authorized representatives with full voting powers.
- Commission may replace members or add new ones by majority vote.
Powers and Functions of the Commission
- Develops and implements plans of action for government and private sector compliance with WTO and AFTA commitments.
- Reviews and evaluates current laws and policies against international trade commitments.
- Conducts research on economic implications of WTO and AFTA agreements.
- Recommends legislative amendments, policy changes, or new enactments as necessary.
- Identifies private sector initiatives and technological innovations to strengthen competitive advantages.
- Conducts education and information campaigns, including publishing materials and holding seminars.
- Coordinates with government branches, agencies, and private sector for treaty ratification and legislative processes.
- Enhances collaboration, builds consensus among affected sectors.
- Can form sub-committees, task forces, and technical groups.
- Adopts internal rules and guidelines.
- Exercises other powers necessary to achieve objectives.
Meetings and Quorum
- Required to meet at least monthly or as needed upon the Chairman’s call.
- First meeting mandated within 30 days from the Order’s promulgation.
- Quorum defined as a majority of all members; decisions approved by majority vote of quorum.
Secretariat
- Secretariat is established to support the Commission.
- Headed by an Executive Director with rank equivalent to Department Assistant Secretary.
- Executive Director appointed by the Chairman.
Executive Committee
- Formed to exercise delegated powers from the Commission.
- Composed of Chairman, Co-Chairman, and selected members designated by the Chairman.
Relationship with the Philippine Council on ASEAN Cooperation-Cabinet (PCAC)
- The Commission reports and submits studies, proposals, and recommendations on AFTA matters to PCAC-Cabinet.
- Has representation in both PCAC-Cabinet and PCAC-Technical Board for ASEAN Economic Cooperation.
Funding
- Initial funding sourced from the President’s Contingent Fund subject to Presidential approval.
- Subsequent funding included in the Office of the President’s budget proposals.
Dissolution of the Former AFTA Advisory Commission
- The former AFTA Advisory Commission is dissolved.
- Its functions, budget, and personnel absorbed by the new Commission.
- Previous structure and personnel preserved as much as possible.
Separability Clause
- Provisions are separable; if any part is declared unconstitutional, other parts remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Modifies and amends Executive Order No. 38 (1992) to conform.
- Repeals or modifies all inconsistent laws, orders, rules, and regulations.
Effectivity Clause
- The Order takes effect immediately upon promulgation.