Law Summary

Background and Purpose

• Explanation: This Executive Order, issued by President Corazon C. Aquino on June 17, 1987, addresses the need to enhance the representation within the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to improve its functionality and efficiency.
• Key Definitions:
  • MWSS: Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, a government entity responsible for water supply and sewerage services.
• Important Requirements:
  • The existing charter of the MWSS, Republic Act No. 6234 (as amended), requires amendments to reflect the changes mandated by this Executive Order.

Composition of the Board of Trustees

• Explanation: The Executive Order modifies Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6234 to increase the Board of Trustees from its previous configuration to nine (9) members.
• Key Definitions:
  • Ex-officio Chairman: The Secretary of Public Works and Highways serves as the Chairman unless designated otherwise by the President.
  • Appointive Members: Six (6) members appointed by the President.
• Important Requirements:
  • The Board will include the Secretary of Public Works and Highways as ex-officio Chairman, and the Government Corporate Counsel as a legal adviser.
  • The Chairman and appointive members will serve a term of five (5) years, with appointees filling vacancies only for the remainder of the term.

Meeting Procedures

• Explanation: Establishes rules for the conduct of meetings by the Board of Trustees.
• Important Requirements:
  • A majority of Board members constitutes a quorum for business transactions.
  • An affirmative vote of five (5) members is necessary to adopt any action taken by the Board.

Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

• Explanation: This section clarifies that any existing laws, executive or administrative orders, or regulations that conflict with this Executive Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
• Important Requirements:
  • All previous inconsistent directives are rendered ineffective by this Executive Order.

Effectivity

• Explanation: The Executive Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.
• Important Timeframes:
  • The order becomes effective as of June 17, 1987.

Key Takeaways

• The Executive Order No. 197 increases the Board of Trustees of MWSS to nine members to enhance representation and effectiveness.
• It establishes specific roles, terms, and procedural requirements for the Board's operations.
• Inconsistent prior regulations are repealed, ensuring the new structure is the prevailing authority.
• Immediate effectivity allows for prompt implementation of these changes.