Law Summary

Introduction

This document is a directive from President Ferdinand E. Marcos to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and all government departments and agencies regarding the Philippines' engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It emphasizes the need for institutional preparedness to fulfill the country’s commitments within the ASEAN framework.

Objectives of the Instruction

• Purpose of the Instruction: To enhance the Philippines' capabilities in relation to its growing commitments in ASEAN.
• Scope of Activities: Focus on regional cooperative programs and projects within ASEAN.

Review of Current Participation

• Legal Principle: The Secretary of Foreign Affairs is tasked with reviewing the Philippines' participation in ASEAN activities.
• Requirements:
  • Conduct an inventory of all current and anticipated programs and activities related to ASEAN.
  • Assess institutional, manpower, program, and resource needs for effective participation.
• Timeframe: No specific deadline is mentioned for the completion of this review.

Reorganization of the ASEAN National Secretariat

• Legal Principle: The ASEAN National Secretariat must be reorganized into a more robust national coordinating machinery.
• Requirements:
  • Improve and expand capabilities in institutional, manpower, financial, program planning, and logistics.
  • The ASEAN National Secretariat must prepare a comprehensive plan within sixty (60) days.
  • Submission of this plan, along with recommendations for institutionalizing the development plan, is required to the Office of the President.
• Timeframe: Plans to be submitted within sixty (60) days from the date of the instruction.

Inter-agency Collaboration

• Legal Principle: Collaboration among government departments and agencies is mandated.
• Requirements:
  • The ASEAN National Secretariat may seek assistance from other government offices as necessary for plan preparation.
  • All departments and agencies involved in ASEAN activities must coordinate with the ASEAN National Secretariat regarding position papers and documents.
• Important Note: This ensures that the Secretariat remains involved in all ASEAN-related activities, both domestically and internationally.

Compliance and Assistance

• Legal Principle: Obligation for cooperation among government entities.
• Requirements:
  • All government departments are instructed to provide necessary assistance to the ASEAN National Secretariat during the planning and execution of its duties.
• Consequences: Not explicitly stated, but failure to comply may hinder the Philippines' effectiveness in ASEAN engagements.

Key Takeaways

• The document underscores the importance of enhancing the Philippines' institutional preparedness for ASEAN commitments.
• It mandates a review of current and future ASEAN participation and a reorganization of the ASEAN National Secretariat.
• Collaboration among government agencies is essential for effective ASEAN involvement.
• A comprehensive plan is to be submitted to the Office of the President within sixty (60) days to institutionalize these improvements.