Law Summary
Historical Framework and Institutional Mechanisms Established
- EO No. 57 (2011) established the National Coast Watch System (NCWS) for coordinated maritime security and governance.
- Created the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) for strategic direction, the MCWC Secretariat for administrative support, and the National Coast Watch Center for operational coordination.
- MC No. 94 (2016) created the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) to synchronize government agency efforts in territorial waters.
Current Challenges and National Commitment
- Despite institutional efforts, maritime security threats persist affecting sovereignty, safety, and peaceful existence.
- The Philippines commits to uphold freedom of navigation and territorial rights in accordance with international law and UNCLOS.
- Recognizes the necessity to enhance maritime security and domain awareness to address crosscutting national security and sovereignty concerns.
Presidential Authority and Reorganization
- Cites the President's constitutional power to reorganize executive departments and ensure faithful execution of laws.
- EO No. 57 is repealed and restructured to enhance efficiency and coordination among maritime security agencies.
Definition and Scope of Coverage
- Maritime Domain: Includes all areas related to oceans and seas, including maritime zones (internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, EEZ, continental shelves), and related activities and infrastructures.
- Maritime Security: Encompasses protection of marine resources, territorial integrity, and coastal peace, including military, socio-economic, environmental, and political aspects.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Entails comprehensive understanding of maritime activities impacting sovereignty, security, economy, and environment.
National Maritime Council Composition and Functions
- The NCWC is renamed as the National Maritime Council, comprising key Cabinet members, national security advisers, and law enforcement agencies.
- Meets quarterly or as needed, responsible for policy formulation and unified maritime governance.
- Powers include policy direction, strategic guidance, recommending policies to the President, harmonizing capability plans, coordinating inter-agency roles, and establishing committees/task forces.
Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns (POMC)
- NCWC Secretariat renamed as POMC, serving as technical and administrative arm of the Council.
- Functions involve research, legislative proposals, administrative support, coordination with the National Maritime Center, and direct reporting to the President for urgent issues.
- Headed by the Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns (PAMC), replacing the former Executive Director.
National Maritime Center and Operational Coordination
- National Coast Watch Center renamed as National Maritime Center under Philippine Coast Guard leadership.
- Functions include information gathering and dissemination, maintaining communication systems, coordinating maritime surveillance, monitoring operations, facilitating multinational cooperation, and supporting prosecutions.
Support Agencies and Inter-Agency Cooperation
- Directs full cooperation from several key agencies including PCG, Armed Forces, PNP, DOJ, Bureau of Customs, and other law enforcement and resource management bodies.
- Defines that mandates of these agencies remain unaltered; coordinates through the Council and PAMC for unified action.
Authority to Accept Assistance and Donations
- National Maritime Center authorized to receive donations and grants from domestic and foreign sources for maritime security purposes, subject to applicable laws.
Integration of NTF-WPS into the Council Framework
- The NTF-WPS is attached to the Council to receive policy guidance and be represented by the PAMC.
- Tasked to synchronize government agency capabilities for unified maritime action in the West Philippine Sea.
Funding and Budget Provisions
- Implementation funded from current appropriations of concerned agencies.
- Future funding included in the General Appropriations Act following standard budget processes.
Implementation and Transition Guidelines
- The Council shall issue guidelines within 60 days of effectivity to ensure orderly transition of resources and operational control from previous entities to the new structure.
Reporting, Separability, and Repeal
- POMC required to submit annual reports on implementation and operations to the Office of the President.
- Any invalid provisions do not affect the overall validity of the Order.
- EO No. 57 (2011) and parts of MC No. 94 (2016) amended or repealed accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.