Creating The Philippine Pilgrimage Authority

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1302

Creation of the Philippine Pilgrimage Authority
• Section 1: Creates the Philippine Pilgrimage Authority under the Office of the President.

Composition of the Authority
• Section 2: The Authority is composed of a Chairman appointed by the President and six members representing various government agencies.

Powers, Functions, and Duties of the Authority
• Section 3(a): The Authority has the power to initiate, plan, execute, implement, coordinate, manage, supervise, and administer all aspects and phases of the annual pilgrimage of Muslim Filipinos to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, including:
- Devising ways to encourage Muslim Filipinos to save money for the pilgrimage. (Section 3(a)(1))
- Pre-departure processing of pilgrim applicants. (Section 3(a)(2))
- Ferry of pilgrims from home provinces to departure points. (Section 3(a)(3))
- Arranging transportation from the Philippines to Mecca and back, including chartering or contracting ships or airplanes. (Section 3(a)(4))
- Administering and assisting pilgrims abroad, during travel, and while in Mecca. (Section 3(a)(5))
- Deprocessing of pilgrims upon return to the Philippines at designated arrival points. (Section 3(a)(6))
- Ferry of pilgrims from arrival points to home provinces. (Section 3(a)(7))
- General administration, including funding for government participation in the pilgrimage. (Section 3(a)(8))
• Section 3(b): The Authority can coordinate with and obtain assistance from other government agencies and private sectors to ensure the success of the pilgrimage.
• Section 3(c): The Authority must submit annual plans, recommendations, and funding requirements for the pilgrimage to the President by March 1st.
• Section 3(d): The Authority must submit timely progress reports and a final report on the pilgrimage to the President.
• Section 3(e): The Authority must conduct a continuing study and submit recommendations to the President for improving and modernizing the pilgrimage system.
• Section 3(f): The Authority can appoint and administer subordinate officials and employees necessary for its functioning, subject to relevant laws and regulations.
• Section 3(g): The Authority can exercise other powers necessary for its operation.
• Section 3(h): The Authority can accept and receive grants, donations, or gifts, subject to terms and conditions imposed by the grantor or donor.
• Section 3(i): The Authority can engage in commercial, industrial, agricultural, fishing, mining, or other profitable business enterprises to become self-sustaining. It can also invest in real estate, natural resources projects, and securities, and acquire private and public lands, subject to the President's approval.
• Section 3(j): The Authority can promulgate rules, regulations, and resolutions for the effective implementation of the Decree.

Compensation of the Chairman
• Section 4: The Chairman of the Authority shall receive an annual compensation of ₱39,240.00.

Appropriation
• Section 5: ₱5,000,000.00 is authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury for the implementation of the Decree. Subsequent funding shall be included in the Annual Budget of the National Government. Any surplus funds earned by the Authority shall be utilized for the development of the southern Philippines, subject to the President's approval.

Penal Provision
• Section 6: Any person who obstructs, impedes, or impairs the implementation of the Decree shall be imprisoned for 5 to 10 years, at the court's discretion. If the offender is a public official or employee, conviction shall result in dismissal from service and other accessory penalties under the Revised Penal Code.

Repealing Clause
• Section 7: All laws, decrees, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the Decree are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity
• Section 8: The Decree shall take effect upon approval.