Law Summary
Commission Composition
- Chairman: Executive Secretary.
- Vice-Chairmen: Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of National Defense.
- Members: Secretary of Justice, Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, Secretary of Interior and Local Government, VFACOM Executive Director, and one private sector representative appointed by the President.
Powers and Functions
- Ensures respect for Philippine laws, policies, and strict compliance with SOFAs.
- Coordinates with agencies to issue Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) covering entry, stay, and departure of foreign military/civilian personnel and assets, public health and safety, environment protection, disposition of military materials, and prosecution of offenses under SOFAs.
- Monitors and evaluates activities of foreign forces during SOFA-related activities, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- Organizes local coordinating committees to assist its functions.
- Assesses environmental, social, health, and safety impacts of SOFA activities and recommends mitigation.
- Coordinates assistance to claimants for damages or injuries caused by foreign personnel.
- Enlists assistance from government branches for execution of functions.
- Conducts continuous information and education campaigns on SOFAs.
- Submits annual reports to the President assessing if SOFAs serve national security interests.
- Coordinates with the Legislative Oversight Committee on SOFA evaluations.
- Recommends policies or legislation for SOFA enforcement.
- Establishes official representation in related defense and security bodies.
- Provides advice in SOFA negotiations and consultations.
- Performs other functions as directed by the President.
Control and Supervision
- The Commission is directly controlled and supervised by the President.
Executive Director
- Appointed by the President.
- Reports directly to the Chairman.
- Has operational and supervisory authority over all Commission personnel and agency staff detailed to support the Commission.
Funding
- Initial funding of Forty Million Pesos (P40,000,000) sourced from the Contingent Fund.
- Subsequent funding included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Private Sector and Non-Government Organization Participation
- The Commission engages local private sector and NGOs, especially those based in areas affected by SOFA activities.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision does not affect remaining provisions, which continue to be valid.
Repeal and Modification
- All inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, and issuances are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon approval.