Creating the presidential fact-finding commission on government information technology projects

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 341 June 5, 1996

CREATING THE PRESIDENTIAL FACT-FINDING COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS

WHEREAS, the investigation of the TOPWEB (The Office of the President Web) controversy has been concluded with the submission of the Investigation Committee's final report;

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the conclusion of the TOPWEB investigation, the information technology (IT) industry has been clamoring for a wider and deeper probe into the integrity of other government IT projects;

WHEREAS, there has arisen a clear need not only to respond to such clamor but also to conduct a survey of the government IT landscape with a view to the formulation of policies and guidelines that will govern future projects;

WHEREAS, the government has become the country's biggest customer of computer systems, supplies and services.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. The Presidential Commission. C There is hereby created a Presidential Fact Finding Commission on Government Information Technology Projects,...

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Summary of Executive Order No. 341

Creation of Presidential Fact-Finding Commission on Government Information Technology Projects
- A Presidential Fact-Finding Commission is created to investigate government IT projects. (Section 1)
- The Commission will be composed of a Chairman and four members, two from the IT private sector, appointed by the President. (Section 2)
- The Commission's objectives are: (Section 3)
    - Review and investigate bidding rules, procedures, and conduct of large-scale (costing at least P1,000,000) government IT projects, including those of DFA, NAPOLCOM, BSP, LTO, GSIS, and TESDA. (Section 3.1)
    - Determine if irregularities were committed and identify instances for filing charges against government personnel and private individuals. (Section 3.2)
    - Formulate policies and guidelines for future government IT projects. (Section 3.3)
    - Recommend improvements to existing regulations governing public IT projects, including proposed legislation if necessary. (Section 3.4)
    - Submit monthly periodic reports and one final comprehensive report to the President. (Section 3.5)
- The Commission's powers and functions include: (Section 4)
    - Call on government agencies for assistance and cooperation. (Section 4.1)
    - Issue compulsory processes to private individuals, groups, organizations, and government officials in accordance with laws and regulations. (Section 4.2)
    - Request cooperation from foreign governments through diplomatic channels. (Section 4.3)
    - Promulgate internal rules and procedures. (Section 4.4)
- The Commission will be assisted by a Secretariat for administrative and office support. (Section 5)
- A Technical Panel of experts in IT, finance, law, and other relevant fields will provide technical assistance and advice. (Section 6)
- The Commission will be provided with appropriate and adequate office space. (Section 7)
- The Commission's expenses, including honoraria, will be charged to the President's Contingent Fund, with an initial funding of P500,000. (Section 8)
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately. (Section 9)