Placing the Control and Supervision of Barter Trade in Jolo, Sulu With the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and For Other Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Transfer of Control and Supervision of Barter Trade

• The administration, control, and supervision of barter trading in Jolo, Sulu, previously under the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), is transferred to the Regional Government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Section 1)

Powers and Functions of the Autonomous Regional Government

• Establish the value of merchandise, goods, or articles per trip for every trader, set at P5,000 per trip per trader, pursuant to Memorandum Order No. 24, S. of 1986. (Section 2.1)
• Establish the number of allowable trips per month per trader. (Section 2.2)
• Promulgate necessary rules, regulations, and guidelines governing barter trade, after consultation with the Bureau of Customs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Section 2.3.a)
• Register and accredit qualified traders to engage in barter trading within the Barter Trade area. (Section 2.3.b)
• Coordinate all activities relative to barter trade and undertake necessary measures subject to national policy. (Section 2.3.c)

Barter Trade Operations Center

• The Barter Trade Operations Center in Jolo, Sulu, under the SPDA, is transferred to the Autonomous Regional Government, including contractual personnel, assets, and equipment, subject to accounting and auditing laws, rules, and regulations. (Section 3)

Barter Trade Revenues

• All revenues collected by the SPDA Barter Trade Operations Center, net of expenses and other payables as of the date of effectivity of this Executive Order, are to be transferred to the Autonomous Regional Government, after an audit by the Commission on Audit to determine the amount to be transferred. (Section 4)

Regional Barter Trade Inter-Agency Committee

• The National Barter Trade Inter-Agency Committee is abolished. (Section 5)
• The Regional Governor shall create a Regional Barter Trade Inter-Agency Committee, including representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Coast Guard. (Section 5)
• The Regional Barter Trade Inter-Agency Committee shall advise the Regional Governor on barter trade matters, review and coordinate government policies, and oversee activities of government agencies and instrumentalities regarding barter trade and Memorandum Order No. 24, S. of 1986. (Section 5)

Separability Clause and Effectivity

• If any part or provision of this Executive Order is held unconstitutional or contrary to law, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in full force and effect. (Section 6)
• This Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation and one (1) local newspaper of general circulation in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Section 7)