Law Summary

Background and Context

• Legal Basis: This memorandum is issued in accordance with Executive Order No. 429, series of 1990, which reorganized administrative regions in Mindanao.
• Purpose: To direct a moratorium on the transfer of regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City.
• Preceding Actions: Memorandum Circular No. 75, series of 2004, mandated the transfer of regional offices, with exceptions for certain departments.

Moratorium on Office Transfers

• Provision: All departments, bureaus, and government agencies are ordered to suspend transfers of their offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City.
  • Key Definitions:
    • Zamboanga City: Designated as the commercial and industrial center.
    • Pagadian City: Designated as the regional center.
• Current Situation:
  • Of 121 regional offices, only 32 have fully transferred, 12 have partially transferred, and 6 have established satellite offices.
  • Employees face economic and social challenges due to dual residences.

Study and Consultation Requirement

• Procedure: A study and consultations will be conducted by the following agencies:
  • Presidential Management Staff (PMS)
  • Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
  • Civil Service Commission (CSC)
  • National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)
  • Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
• Deadline: A comprehensive report with findings and recommendations must be submitted to the President within 30 working days of this memorandum's issuance.

Continuation of Operations

• Operating Protocol: Regional offices that have already moved to Pagadian City will continue their operations in that location.

Effective Date

• Implementation: This memorandum circular is effective immediately upon issuance.

Key Takeaways

• A moratorium has been established on the transfer of regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City pending further study and stakeholder consultation.
• A report is required from designated agencies within 30 working days.
• Existing regional offices in Pagadian City will continue their operations without interruption.

This memorandum aims to address the concerns of affected employees and ensure a thorough evaluation of the transfer process before any further actions are taken.