Creating a Philippine Counterpart Commission to the Hawaiian Commission for the Observance and Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Arrival of the First Filipino Immigrants in Hawaii, and for Other Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 607

Creation of a Philippine Counterpart Commission:
- A Philippine Counterpart Commission is created to collaborate with the Hawaiian Commission for the observance and commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants in Hawaii.

Composition of the Commission:
- The Commission consists of members from the government sector and private sector.
- Government sector members include ministers, governors, presidents of government agencies, and other officials or their authorized representatives. (Section A)
- Private sector members include presidents of various organizations and associations. (Section B)

Functions and Powers of the Commission:
- Formulate and prepare plans for Philippine participation in the observance and commemoration. (Section 3)
- Synchronize overall planning, programming, and resources for the event. (Section 3)
- Collaborate and coordinate with the Hawaiian counterpart in all aspects of planning, organizing, and implementation. (Section 3)
- Perform other functions and exercise powers reasonably connected to its existence. (Section 3)

Establishment of Secretariat and Committees:
- The Commission shall establish a Secretariat in Manila and may have offices in other places as necessary. (Section 4)
- The Secretariat shall serve as the implementing arm of the Commission. (Section 4)
- The Commission may create necessary committees to carry out its functions. (Section 5)

Utilization of Government Resources and Personnel:
- The Commission is authorized to call upon any ministry, bureau, or public office for assistance, facilities, and personnel services. (Section 5)
- Personnel from government agencies detailed with the Commission may be paid allowances or honoraria approved by the Office of the President/Prime Minister. (Section 5)

Funding and Contributions:
- The Office of the President/Prime Minister shall provide necessary funds from its budgetary appropriations. (Section 6)
- Special releases of funds in connection with the Commission's functions are authorized. (Section 6)
- The Commission is authorized to solicit and accept funds, materials, and services from public or private entities, agencies, or individuals. (Section 6)
- Contributions from private entities, agencies, or individuals shall be tax-deductible. (Section 6)
- Funds solicited or contributions received by the Commission shall be tax-exempt. (Section 6)
- The Commission may draw funds from available budgetary appropriations of any ministry, bureau, agency, or public office. (Section 7)
- All funds received by the Commission shall be deposited with the Philippine National Bank in the name of the Commission. (Section 8)
- Withdrawals shall be made by checks signed by the Chairman and counter-signed by the Auditor. (Section 8)

Auditing and Reporting:
- The Commission's books of accounts shall be available for audit by the Auditor designated by the Commission on Audit. (Section 9)
- The Commission shall prescribe and promulgate policies and guidelines for the effective exercise of its functions. (Section 10)
- The Commission shall submit progress reports to the President/Prime Minister every three months. (Section 11)
- The Commission shall wind up its affairs not later than three months after December 31, 1981. (Section 11)
- A final report of accomplishments shall be submitted to the President/Prime Minister not later than one month after winding up. (Section 11)