Law Summary

Background and Purpose

• Explanation: Executive Order (EO) No. 845, issued on November 15, 2009, serves to lift EO No. 839, which imposed a price freeze on petroleum products due to a declared state of calamity following typhoons that caused extensive damage in Luzon.
• Key Definitions:
  • State of Calamity: A situation declared due to significant disaster conditions, allowing for specific government interventions.
  • Oil Price Freeze: A directive mandating that petroleum prices remain at levels established prior to October 15, 2009.
• Important Requirements:
  • The lifting of the price freeze is contingent upon the assessment that the extreme emergency conditions have subsided.

Assessment of Emergency Conditions

• Explanation: The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) concluded that while rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, the extreme emergency conditions that justified EO 839 are no longer present.
• Key Details:
  • Rehabilitation efforts for the victims of the calamity continue despite the lifting of the order.
• Cross-References: This assessment aligns with the recommendations from the DOE-DOJ Task Force, established under EO 839 and Republic Act No. 8479.

Implementation of New Proposals

• Explanation: The lifting of EO 839 allows for the implementation of targeted assistance programs in specific areas as recommended by oil industry players.
• Important Procedures:
  • The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), along with their Joint Task Force, are tasked with implementing the proposals submitted by the oil industry.
• Designated Areas for Assistance: Assistance programs are to be focused on regions including:
  • Benguet
  • Baguio City
  • Pangasinan
  • Eastern Laguna
  • Rizal
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • Mountain Province
  • Isabela
  • Cainta
  • Marikina City
  • Malabon
  • Pasig City

Effectivity and Enforcement

• Explanation: EO 845 takes effect immediately upon signing.
• Key Details:
  • The directive is executed by the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and is further supported by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita.

Key Takeaways

• EO No. 845 lifts the oil price freeze previously enacted under EO No. 839 due to the stabilization of emergency conditions.
• The lifting allows for the implementation of targeted assistance programs aimed at specific regions affected by the calamities.
• The DOE and DOJ are responsible for overseeing the execution of these new proposals, ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
• The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing, reflecting the government's shift from emergency measures to rehabilitation efforts.