Authority to Create Sub-Committees and Working Groups
- The Cabinet Committee is empowered to form sub-committees or working groups.
- This structure is to ensure efficient and effective discharge of its responsibilities related to the Law of the Sea.
Functions and Responsibilities of the Law of the Sea Secretariat
- Acts as the administrative and supportive body for the Cabinet Committee.
- Formulates administrative, procedural rules, and regulations for Cabinet Committee management.
- Prepares requirements for managing the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including administrative, technical, and technological needs.
- Develops plans (short, medium, long-term) for the development, conservation, and protection of the EEZ in coordination with concerned agencies.
- Monitors and coordinates agency implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Prepares groundwork for negotiations on overlapping boundaries, fisheries, energy, mineral exploitation, and related agreements concerning the EEZ.
- Provides regular and periodic reports on activities.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by the Cabinet Committee.
Leadership and Administrative Oversight of the Secretariat
- The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary-General, who is also the Director-General for the Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations within the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Administrative Support and Documentation
- Secretaries of the various departments must provide administrative support for Cabinet Committee meetings and sub-groups.
- The Secretariat acts as the official repository of all documents and records related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Effective Date
- This Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.
Legal Context and Background (Contextual Clarifications)
- The reconstitution follows previous orders establishing and modifying the Cabinet Committee and its Secretariat.
- The Philippines signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- The Secretariat's location moved over time between the Ministry/Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister due to administrative reorganizations.
- The reconstitution aims at harmonizing domestic laws with the UNCLOS, in preparation for its full implementation.