Organizing the Inter-Agency Energy Contingency Committee

Legal basis and governing authority

OP Administrative Order No. 6 is issued by Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines.
The President issues the Order by virtue of powers vested in me by law (as stated in the Order’s opening authority clause).
The Order operates as an Executive issuance creating an inter-agency structure to evaluate and enhance energy contingency planning.

Policy intent and precautionary purpose

The Government issues the Order as a precautionary measure even though there is no imminent danger of any oil supply disruption.
The Order is grounded on the Government’s objective to ensure continuous, adequate and stable supply of petroleum and other energy sources in the country.
The Order directs that the Government’s contingency strategy be carefully studied and evaluated to address energy supply disruptions.
The Order emphasizes that coordination of all Government agencies is vital for evaluating and enhancing the existing contingency plan for effective implementation.

Creation and composition of IECC

Section 1 organizes the INTER-AGENCY ENERGY CONTINGENCY COMMITTEE (IECC).
The IECC is composed of these departments: Departments of Energy; Finance; Budget and Management; Justice; Trade and Industry; Agriculture; National Defense; the Interior and Local Government; Transportation and Communications; Foreign Affairs; plus the National Economic and Development Authority and the National Security Council.
Section 1 provides that representation is by the respective heads of the departments and government agencies.
Section 1 allows each agency to designate an alternate representative with the rank of Undersecretary.

IECC general responsibilities

Section 2 requires the IECC to undertake a comprehensive audit of the available resources of their respective agencies.
Section 2 requires the IECC to validate the viability of enhancements made to the existing contingency plan.
Section 2 requires the IECC to assess the need to operationalize the proposed plan.
Section 2 requires the IECC to submit reports to the Office of the President on recommendations.

Member-agency responsibilities and leadership

Section 3 directs that the Department of Energy provides the over-all direction in enhancing existing policies and guidelines.
Section 3 instructs that the Secretary of Energy takes the lead and chairs the IECC.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Finance the task to ensure proposed plans are consistent with the government’s fiscal policies.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Budget and Management to identify procedures for the utilization and reallocation of funds, consistent with existing rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Justice to ensure proposed plans are consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Trade and Industry to monitor effects of prices of other commodities due to any supply disruption and to provide measures to remedy the same.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Agriculture to provide information and represent the concerns of the agricultural sector regarding the effects of any supply disruption.
Section 3 assigns the Department of National Defense to integrate proposed plans with the plans of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Section 3 assigns the Department of the Interior and Local Government to consult and coordinate with all LGUs and the Philippine National Police relative to the proposed plans.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Transportation and Communications to provide effective representation of the transport sector and coordinate with all transport organization in developing the proposed plans.
Section 3 assigns the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide linkages with the international community for up-to-date information on global developments.
Section 3 assigns the National Economic and Development Authority to advise on possible socio-economic impact of proposed plans and ensure alignment with the over-all economic plan of the country.
Section 3 assigns the National Security Council to advise on matters affecting national security and energy security.

Duty of government agencies to assist

Section 4 directs other government departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities to extend assistance and support to the IECC.
Section 4 includes government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) among entities directed to extend assistance and support.
Section 4 requires assistance and support for the successful discharge of the IECC’s functions under the Order.

Separability, repeals, and sunset

OP Administrative Order No. 6 contains a provision on effectivity in Section 5 stating immediate effect.
The Order provides the organizational and operational directives for the IECC, without any additional temporal limitation stated in the operative sections on organization, responsibilities, or assistance.