Peace agreement framework and basis
- Executive Order No. 117 is anchored on the Peace Agreement entered on December 6, 2000 between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and RPM-P/RPA/ABB.
- Executive Order No. 117 recognizes the Peace Agreement’s basis in mutual pursuit of a peaceful settlement of armed conflicts under principles of honor, dignity and justice for all.
- Executive Order No. 117 implements the continuing framework established under Executive Order No. 335 dated January 4, 2001, which constituted the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) and created a Reintegration Fund.
- Executive Order No. 117 recognizes a Clarificatory Document executed on February 26, 2002 between the GRP and RPM-P/RPA/ABB.
Reconstituted Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee
- Section 1 reconstitutes the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
- Section 1 sets the JEMC composition as:
- Two (2) members representing the GRP designated or appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines;
- Two (2) members representing RPM-P/RPA/ABB nominated or designated by the said group; and
- A fifth member chosen by the representatives of both the GRP and RPM-P/RPA/ABB from a list of persons of established integrity, impartiality, ability, and patriotism.
- Section 1 requires the JEMC to elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among themselves, and to fix the terms of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
- Section 1 provides that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) shall provide overall support in the management and operation of the JEMC.
- Section 1 authorizes the JEMC to create Local Monitoring Teams, technical working groups, and other similar bodies, and to designate technical advisers as necessary.
JEMC powers, functions, and responsibilities
- Section 2 directs the JEMC to formulate and issue Guidelines for implementation of the Peace Agreement.
- Section 2 requires the JEMC to formulate and adopt schedules, work programs and plans for implementation of the Peace Agreement’s provisions.
- Section 2 tasks the JEMC to coordinate and synchronize government agencies’ programs and projects implementing the Peace Agreement, and programs undertaken by units and components of RPM-P/RPA/ABB, in accordance with existing laws and with participation of local government units, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.
- Section 2 empowers the JEMC to create, supervise, and define the functions and responsibilities of Local Monitoring Teams, technical working groups, and similar bodies tasked to provide assistance.
- Section 2 authorizes the JEMC to resolve conflicts and problem areas arising in the implementation process.
- Section 2 mandates the JEMC to gather relevant data, conduct investigations, generate reports, and direct proper authorities to undertake appropriate actions on any substantial breach or violation of the Peace Agreement’s terms and conditions.
- Section 2 requires the JEMC to conduct free and honest ground-level consultations with major stakeholders and affected communities on issues and concerns arising from implementation.
- Section 2 directs the JEMC to disseminate proper and timely information on implementation progress through an officially-designated spokesperson.
- Section 2 authorizes the JEMC to call upon concerned government agencies for assistance necessary to perform its functions.
- Section 2 requires performance of other acts or measures necessary for proper and effective implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Reintegration Fund creation and use
- Section 3 creates a Reintegration Fund to implement programs and projects assisting alleged political offenders (APOs) who may be released from imprisonment under the Peace Agreement.
- Section 3 provides that the Reintegration Fund shall support reintegration to mainstream society and other development undertakings of APOs who were former members of RPM-P/RPA/ABB.
- Section 3 fixes the Reintegration Fund amount at Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00).
- Section 3 directs that the Reintegration Fund shall be sourced from the President’s Social Fund.
- Section 3 requires the JEMC to formulate necessary guidelines for management and utilization of the Reintegration Fund, consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Government support and administrative support roles
- Section 4 directs all agencies of the Government to provide necessary support to ensure timely and effective implementation of development projects and programs identified in the Peace Agreement.
- Section 4 requires such support to align with the policy thrusts of the Administration on the peace process and the national agenda on poverty alleviation.
- Section 5 directs the OPAPP to provide the JEMC a permanent Secretariat rendering technical and administrative support.
- Section 5 directs the OPAPP to provide the JEMC with adequate office space and facilities.
JEMC operational funding obligations
- Section 6 directs the Department of Budget and Management to release Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P7,500,000.00) from the President’s Contingent Fund to initially cover operational expenses of the JEMC and its Secretariat.
- Section 6 requires that fund requirements of the JEMC and its Secretariat for succeeding years be included in the OPAPP budget.
Repeal and inconsistency clause
- Section 7 repeals Executive Order No. 335 dated January 4, 2001.
- Section 7 provides that all orders, rules, regulations, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with Executive Order No. 117 are repealed or modified accordingly.