Creating the Office of the Commissioner for Islamic Affairs

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 549

Creation of the Office of the Commissioner for Islamic Affairs
- Section 1: Creates the Office of the Commissioner for Islamic Affairs under the Office of the President, headed by a Commissioner appointed by the President.

Powers and Functions of the Commissioner for Islamic Affairs
- Section 2:
• Assist and represent the President on matters concerning Islamic affairs. (2a)
• Provide advice and assistance to the President in formulating, coordinating, and implementing policies affecting Islamic affairs. (2b)
• Serve as the link between the President and agencies/entities involved in operations, activities, and projects involving Islamic affairs. (2c)
• Coordinate for the President all development programs on Islamic matters implemented by various government agencies and entities. (2d)
• Recommend to the President development programs and projects on Islamic matters, including their implementation schemes. (2e)
• Monitor for the President all development programs being implemented, whether public or private, concerning Islamic affairs, and recommend necessary actions for their efficient, effective, and economic implementation. (2f)
• Act as the government entity through which Islamic communities can seek government and private assistance, and serve as the instrumentality through which assistance from both sectors may be extended to Islamic communities. The Commissioner is authorized to give grants-in-aid from its appropriations or other funds to cooperating government or private entities for programs or projects geared towards the development of Islamic communities. (2g)
• Enter into contracts, agreements, or arrangements with government or private agencies, subject to the President's approval, as necessary to attain the Office's objectives. (2h)
• Accept grants, donations, gifts, funds, and/or property for the benefit of Islamic communities from any source, and administer them in accordance with the terms or in the interests of Islamic communities. (2i)
• Perform other functions as directed by the President or assigned by law. (2j)

Organizational Support
- Section 3: The Office shall recommend to the President supportive administrative arrangements to enable it to carry out its functions, exercise its powers, and achieve its objectives. It may have consultants and other experts, drawn from the private sector or government agencies, whose compensation shall be approved by the President.

Appropriations
- Section 4: The Office shall receive an annual lump sum appropriation in sufficient amounts to finance its operations, programs, projects, and activities.

Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- Section 5: All laws, orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

Separability Clause
- Section 6: Any portion declared unconstitutional shall not nullify the other provisions, provided the remaining portions can still stand and be given effect.

Effectivity
- Section 7: This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.