Law Summary

Introduction

This Executive Order, issued by President Fidel V. Ramos on October 2, 1996, establishes a Special Zone of Peace and Development (ZOPAD) in the Southern Philippines. It aims to promote economic and social development, particularly in regions affected by internal conflict, and to facilitate a lasting peace following the Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Declaration of the Special Zone of Peace and Development (ZOPAD)

• Legal Principle/Provision: The order proclaims the establishment of a ZOPAD in the Southern Philippines as a primary area for intensified peace and development efforts over the next three years.
• Key Definitions:
  • ZOPAD: A designated area for focused peace and development programs.
• Important Requirements:
  • The ZOPAD encompasses specified provinces and cities, including Basilan, Sulu, and Zamboanga del Sur.
• Timeframes: The initiatives within the ZOPAD are to be implemented over a three-year period.
• Consequences: Investments and resources will be directed towards uplifting the living conditions of the people in these areas.

Development Efforts in the ZOPAD

• Legal Principle/Provision: This section outlines the developmental initiatives to be undertaken in the ZOPAD.
• Key Definitions:
  • Basic Services: Services including water, electricity, education, housing, and health.
• Important Requirements:
  • Development of infrastructure, promotion of investments and trade, and support for entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Timeframes: Development efforts are to be completed within the three-year timeframe of the ZOPAD.
• Consequences: Failure to implement these services could hinder the overall development objectives.

Medium for Development Efforts in the ZOPAD

• Legal Principle/Provision: Specifies institutional mechanisms to facilitate development efforts.
• Key Definitions:
  • Institutional Mechanisms: Entities such as the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD) and regional councils.
• Important Requirements: Development programs must utilize existing frameworks and task forces.
• Consequences: Ineffective use of established programs may delay developmental outcomes.

Priority Areas and Projects

• Legal Principle/Provision: Identifies priority areas for development within the ZOPAD.
• Key Definitions:
  • Depressed Areas: Regions classified as economically disadvantaged.
• Important Requirements: Focus on the poorest provinces and municipalities, and implementation of various human development projects.
• Timeframes: Projects are to be initiated within the three-year period.
• Consequences: Neglecting these areas could perpetuate poverty and underdevelopment.

Establishment of the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes the SPCPD as a transitory body for coordinating development in the ZOPAD.
• Key Definitions:
  • SPCPD: Council responsible for overseeing peace and development initiatives.
• Important Requirements: The SPCPD must submit plans and reports to the President.
• Consequences: Non-compliance with submission requirements may impede progress evaluations.

Composition and Functions of the SPCPD

• Legal Principle/Provision: Details the structure and functions of the SPCPD.
• Key Definitions:
  • Chairperson: Elected from the governors of the ZOPAD.
• Important Requirements: Must include representatives from local governments and non-government organizations.
• Consequences: Inadequate representation may affect the council's effectiveness.

Establishment of the Consultative Assembly

• Legal Principle/Provision: Creates a Consultative Assembly to advise the SPCPD.
• Key Definitions:
  • Consultative Assembly: An advisory body to facilitate consultation among stakeholders.
• Important Requirements: Members include local government officials and representatives from various sectors.
• Consequences: Lack of engagement from diverse sectors may lead to ineffective policymaking.

Duration of Existence

• Legal Principle/Provision: Specifies the duration of the SPCPD and Consultative Assembly.
• Important Requirements: Both entities will exist for three years unless extended by the President.
• Consequences: Expiration may lead to a lapse in coordinated efforts unless renewed.

Funding

• Legal Principle/Provision: Outlines funding sources for the SPCPD and Consultative Assembly.
• Important Requirements: Funding will come from the Office of the President and other recommended sources.
• Consequences: Insufficient funding may jeopardize program implementation.

Effectivity and Separability Clause

• Legal Principle/Provision: States when the Executive Order takes effect and addresses invalid provisions.
• Timeframes: Effective 15 days post-publication in national newspapers.
• Consequences: If any provision is deemed invalid, remaining sections will remain in effect.

Key Takeaways

• The Executive Order establishes the ZOPAD to promote peace and development in the Southern Philippines, particularly in historically underprivileged areas.
• It establishes the SPCPD as a coordinating body and the Consultative Assembly as an advisory group.
• Development initiatives must be implemented within three years, focusing on infrastructure, basic services, and economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.
• The order emphasizes collaboration among government agencies and civil society to ensure successful development outcomes.