Scope and Definition of the Philippine Statistical System (PSS)
- Comprises statistical organizations at all government levels.
- Includes personnel, national statistical programs, general-purpose and specialized statistical agencies.
- Encompasses national and local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations engaged in statistical work.
- Maintains decentralization but mandates strong coordination.
Establishment of National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)
- Created as the highest policy-making and coordinating body on statistics.
- Composition includes heads or representatives of key ministries, economic bodies, National Statistics Office, and private sector member.
- NSCB decisions on statistical matters are final and binding.
Powers and Functions of NSCB
- Promote and maintain an efficient government statistical system.
- Formulate policies regarding government statistics.
- Recommend legislative and executive measures to enhance statistical operations.
- Coordinate statistical activities at regional, provincial, and city levels.
- Approve the Philippine Statistical Development Program.
- Allocate statistical responsibilities among government agencies.
- Review and integrate budget proposals for statistical activities.
- Prescribe uniform standards and classifications.
- Prohibited from direct basic data collection.
NSCB Technical Staff and Secretary General
- Technical staff provides support and acts as liaison for international statistical affairs.
- Led by a Secretary General appointed by the President, holding rank equivalent to a Deputy Minister.
Inter-Agency Committees
- NSCB may form inter-agency committees to assist in fulfilling its functions.
National Statistics Office (NSO)
- Formerly the National Census and Statistics Office; renamed NSO.
- Major general-purpose statistical agency responsible for censuses and surveys.
- Headed by an Administrator appointed by the President.
Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC)
- Created to develop research and training programs to enhance statistical methodologies and manpower.
- Conducts research, promotes collaboration, offers training, and provides assistance to improve statistical capacity.
Governance and Funding of SRTC
- Governed by a board including representatives from NSCB, NSO, academic institutions, and government bodies.
- Has an Executive Director appointed by the Governing Board.
- Established with an endowment fund sourced from government appropriations, donations, and other income.
- Initial funds appropriated for operation and endowment.
Role of Other Statistical Agencies
- Government agencies and GOCCs continuing to produce specialized statistics under existing laws, unless otherwise directed by NSCB.
Designated Statistics and Data Access
- NSCB designates statistics to be collected including frequency and content.
- Rules and regulations govern designated statistics with periodic reviews.
- Access to unpublished government statistical data granted subject to confidentiality laws and cost assumption.
Timeliness and Standardization
- Agencies must release statistical results timely according to the NSCB-approved calendar.
- Mandatory adoption of NSCB prescribed statistical standards, concepts, definitions, procedures, and classifications.
Budgeting and Funds Allocation
- NSCB reviews and prioritizes statistical activities based on budget ceilings.
- Responsible for allocation of financial resources among statistical activities.
- Funds released by the Ministry of Budget and Management according to NSCB priorities.
Abolition and Transfer Provisions
- Existing statistical development committees and boards abolished.
- Their functions, assets, records, and personnel transferred to NSCB.
- Detailed provisions on transfer of funds, assets, liabilities, and personnel in various scenarios including abolition, merger, or termination of functions.
- Personnel not included in the new structure or not reappointed considered separated and entitled to benefits.
New Organizational Structure
- NSCB Chairman to approve new position structure and staffing pattern within 120 days.
- Separation and retirement benefits provided for displaced personnel.
- Judicial or administrative injunctions against separation disallowed.
Notice and Consent Requirements
- Reorganization changes affecting third-party rights require compliance with applicable notice or consent provisions prior to implementation.
Performance Evaluation
- NSCB Chairman to institute and enforce periodic, objective performance evaluations.
- Reports to be submitted semi-annually and annually to the President.
Restrictions on Changes and Funding
- Further changes to the reorganization require Presidential approval.
- Funds for reorganization to be sourced from existing agency budgets.
Implementation and Legal Provisions
- NSCB Chairman empowered to issue necessary rules and regulations.
- Severability clause ensuring that invalidation of parts does not affect remainder.
- Repeals inconsistent laws and regulations.
- Effective immediately upon approval.