Transfer of LIVECOR, HSDC to Dept. of Agriculture

Executive Order No. 233 is issued by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
The order is dated April 26, 2000.
The order takes effect immediately under Section 6.
The order is published in 96 OG No. 32, 4978 (Aug. 7, 2000), reflecting the official publication record.

Executive Order No. 233 is anchored on the President’s continuing authority under Section 31, Chapter 10, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987 to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President and transfer agencies.
Executive Order No. 233 identifies LIVECOR as created under Executive Order No. 866 (s. 1983).
Executive Order No. 233 identifies HSDC as created under Presidential Decree No. 1386 (s. 1973).
Executive Order No. 233 notes that LIVECOR and HSDC were attached to the Office of the Executive Secretary by virtue of Executive Order No. 21 dated 27 August 1998.

Executive Order No. 233 advances the policy to rationalize and streamline the livelihood sector to provide a comprehensive livelihood program and services to the poor.
Executive Order No. 233 recognizes the Department of Agriculture as the lead agency for the Government’s food security program.
Executive Order No. 233 states that transferring LIVECOR and HSDC (including subsidiaries) under direct supervision and control of the DA is intended to strengthen government capability to provide livelihood and other support services to farmers, fishermen, and other rural workers through more cohesive coordination.
Section 3 specifies a targeted consolidation purpose: the DTI attachment of GFSME is meant to consolidate GFSME activities with those of the Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBGFC).

Section 2 designates the Secretary of Agriculture as ex-officio Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of LIVECOR and HSDC.
The DA supervisory/control arrangement is structured so that the Secretary of Agriculture leads the boards of the transferred corporations for governance over time.

Section 3 attaches the GFSME for supervision, control, and policy/program coordination to the DTI.
Section 3 requires DTI to take the steps necessary to effect the consolidation of GFSME’s activities with those of the SBGFC.
Section 1 removes GFSME from DA’s attachment, ensuring GFSME remains consolidated within the DTI framework.

Section 4 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to reorganize, streamline, merge, deactivate, or dispose assets of LIVECOR and HSDC and their covered units under the DA attachment.
Section 4 limits the exercise of these powers by requiring that they be subject to existing laws.
Section 4 provides that separation or other benefits owing to any affected personnel shall be paid from any available funds in the above-mentioned corporations.
Section 4 further provides that if available funds are insufficient, the needed amounts shall be provided by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Section 5 repeals, amends, or modifies all laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with Executive Order No. 233.
Section 6 makes the entire order effective immediately upon issuance.