EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 554 August 21, 1979
CREATING A TASK FORCE ON INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE ASSISTANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS, in accordance with simple humanity the Filipino people and their government are ready to render assistance in the processing of refugees specially from Vietnam;
WHEREAS, as a responsible member of the United Nations, this country has supported UN efforts to assist refugees provided such support is consistent with international law and practice and the Philippines' national laws and interests;
WHEREAS, the United High Commission for Refugees has sought the cooperation of the Philippine government in the temporary lodging of such refugees prior to their final resettlement in other countries and the Philippines has agreed to set up such a processing center provided that costs shall not be borne by the Philippines and there will be no residual refugees left in such processing center;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND, E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, and...
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Executive Orders
Creating a Task Force on International Refugee Assistance and Administration, Providing Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes
Executive Order No. 554
Summary of Executive Order No. 554
Purpose and Rationale
- To render assistance in processing refugees, particularly from Vietnam, in accordance with the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations and international humanitarian principles. (Section 1)
- To comply with the request of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for temporary lodging of refugees prior to their final resettlement in other countries, without the Philippines bearing the costs or having residual refugees left behind. (Preamble)
Creation of Task Force on Refugee Assistance and Administration
- A Task Force on Refugee Assistance and Administration is created under the Ministry of Human Settlements. (Section 2)
- Composition of the Task Force: (Section 2a)
- Chairman: Minister of Human Settlements
- Members: Ministers of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Public Works, Public Highways, Local Government and Community Development, Natural Resources, Health, Agriculture, Education and Culture, Transportation and Communications, and Acting Minister of Social Services and Development.
- The Task Force is assisted by a Secretariat headed by the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, with the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, and General Manager of the National Housing Authority as members. (Section 2b)
- Ministers may designate representatives to the Task Force with decision-making powers. (Section 2c)
Functions and Powers of the Task Force
- To establish, build, and administer refugee processing centers and camps chosen by the President. (Section 2d(1))
- To coordinate and cooperate with the UNHCR's efforts and activities related to refugee assistance and operation of refugee centers and camps in the Philippines. (Section 2d(2))
- To receive, administer, and utilize funds, equipment, and other assistance provided by the UNHCR, friendly countries, institutions, and other international refugee assistance institutions for the Philippines' refugee assistance and management program. (Section 2d(3))
- To integrate and supervise a working staff for the Philippines' refugee assistance and management program, with participating agencies contributing resources as much as possible. (Section 2d(4))
- To call upon any government department, ministry, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality for assistance in performing its duties and functions. (Section 2d(5))
- To submit periodic reports to the Philippine government and the United Nations, through the President, on its activities, including the disposition of funds and other assistance received. (Section 2d(6))
Powers and Responsibilities of the Task Force Chairman
- To preside over meetings of the Task Force. (Section 3a)
- To receive gifts or donations in any form and from any source. (Section 3b)
- To administer, obligate, and disburse appropriations, gifts, or donations upon approval by the Task Force members. (Section 3c)
- To hire and maintain a working group, staff, or personnel necessary to carry out the Task Force's purposes and objectives. (Section 3d)
Ad Hoc Committees
- The Chairman of the Task Force may constitute continuing ad hoc committees consisting of Task Force members and other experts to assist the Task Force in discharging its functions. (Section 4)
Initial Steps for Operationalization
- Tara Island and Ulugan Bay in the province of Palawan are designated as refugee processing centers and camps. (Section 5(1))
- The General Manager of the National Housing Authority is designated as the project coordinator for the immediate establishment, construction, and operation of the refugee camps. (Section 5(2))
- The Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy is directed to assist the Task Force by providing ferry service for materials, personnel, and equipment needed to construct and operate the refugee camps. (Section 5(3))
- The Deputy Minister of Public Works is designated in charge of the construction of the refugee camps in Palawan. (Section 5(4))
Effectivity
- This Executive Order takes effect immediately. (Section 6)
Purpose and Rationale
- To render assistance in processing refugees, particularly from Vietnam, in accordance with the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations and international humanitarian principles. (Section 1)
- To comply with the request of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for temporary lodging of refugees prior to their final resettlement in other countries, without the Philippines bearing the costs or having residual refugees left behind. (Preamble)
Creation of Task Force on Refugee Assistance and Administration
- A Task Force on Refugee Assistance and Administration is created under the Ministry of Human Settlements. (Section 2)
- Composition of the Task Force: (Section 2a)
- Chairman: Minister of Human Settlements
- Members: Ministers of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Public Works, Public Highways, Local Government and Community Development, Natural Resources, Health, Agriculture, Education and Culture, Transportation and Communications, and Acting Minister of Social Services and Development.
- The Task Force is assisted by a Secretariat headed by the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, with the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, and General Manager of the National Housing Authority as members. (Section 2b)
- Ministers may designate representatives to the Task Force with decision-making powers. (Section 2c)
Functions and Powers of the Task Force
- To establish, build, and administer refugee processing centers and camps chosen by the President. (Section 2d(1))
- To coordinate and cooperate with the UNHCR's efforts and activities related to refugee assistance and operation of refugee centers and camps in the Philippines. (Section 2d(2))
- To receive, administer, and utilize funds, equipment, and other assistance provided by the UNHCR, friendly countries, institutions, and other international refugee assistance institutions for the Philippines' refugee assistance and management program. (Section 2d(3))
- To integrate and supervise a working staff for the Philippines' refugee assistance and management program, with participating agencies contributing resources as much as possible. (Section 2d(4))
- To call upon any government department, ministry, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality for assistance in performing its duties and functions. (Section 2d(5))
- To submit periodic reports to the Philippine government and the United Nations, through the President, on its activities, including the disposition of funds and other assistance received. (Section 2d(6))
Powers and Responsibilities of the Task Force Chairman
- To preside over meetings of the Task Force. (Section 3a)
- To receive gifts or donations in any form and from any source. (Section 3b)
- To administer, obligate, and disburse appropriations, gifts, or donations upon approval by the Task Force members. (Section 3c)
- To hire and maintain a working group, staff, or personnel necessary to carry out the Task Force's purposes and objectives. (Section 3d)
Ad Hoc Committees
- The Chairman of the Task Force may constitute continuing ad hoc committees consisting of Task Force members and other experts to assist the Task Force in discharging its functions. (Section 4)
Initial Steps for Operationalization
- Tara Island and Ulugan Bay in the province of Palawan are designated as refugee processing centers and camps. (Section 5(1))
- The General Manager of the National Housing Authority is designated as the project coordinator for the immediate establishment, construction, and operation of the refugee camps. (Section 5(2))
- The Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy is directed to assist the Task Force by providing ferry service for materials, personnel, and equipment needed to construct and operate the refugee camps. (Section 5(3))
- The Deputy Minister of Public Works is designated in charge of the construction of the refugee camps in Palawan. (Section 5(4))
Effectivity
- This Executive Order takes effect immediately. (Section 6)