Directive on the Release of Official Statements of the President

October 5, 2016 BLGF MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 10-002-16 TO : All BLGF Officials and Employees SUBJECT : Directive on the Release of Official Statements of the President This refers to the Memorandum from the Executive Secretary, Office of the President, dated 20 September 2016, entitled "Release of Official Statements," advising all heads of agencies "to refrain from giving statements to the media on policies, programs, official activities and accomplishments of the President and the Executive Branch, except on matters directly concerning their office or unless prior clearance has been secured from the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)." The Memorandum further states that all official statements of the President on significant national and international issues shall be coursed through and delivered only by the Presidential Spokesperson or, in his absence, the PCOO Secretary. Relatively, pursuant to Cabinet Action/Decision (File No. 59-091416-34) dated 14 September 2016, all heads of departments and agencies are likewise advised to "defer to the Presidential Spokesperson in answering queries from the Media on matters concerning the President's statements, actions and activities." In this regard, all BLGF officials and employees are enjoined to observe the contents of said Memorandum. For strict compliance. (SGD.) NIO RAYMOND B. ALVINA OIC Executive Director ATTACHMENT Office of the President of the Philippines Malacaang MEMORANDUM FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO : ALL MEMBERS OF THE CABINET AND HEADS OF AGENCIES SUBJECT : RELEASE OF OFFICIAL STATEMENTS DATE : 20 September 2016 Pursuant to the instructions of the President and in accordance with the consensus reached during previous Cabinet Meetings, please be advised that official statements of the President on significant national and international issues shall be coursed through and delivered only by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella or in his absence Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar. cSEDTC The PCOO shall be the primary office authorized to respond to media inquiries and to disseminate information relating to the policies, programs, official activities and accomplishments of the President and the Executive Branch. The members of the Cabinet, heads of agencies, offices and instrumentalities of the National Government, including Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), shall refrain from giving statements to the media except on matters directly concerning their office or unless prior clearance has been secured from the PCOO. For strict compliance. (SGD.) SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA CABINET ACTION/DECISION File No. 59-091416-34 FOR : All Heads of Departments and Agencies FROM : The Cabinet Secretary SUBJECT : GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS DATE : 14 September 2016 During the Sixth Cabinet Meeting held on 14 September 2016 at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room, Malacaan Palace, the President directed all Heads of Department and Agency to defer to the Presidential Spokesperson in answering queries from the Media on matters concerning the President's statements, actions, and activities. The Presidential Communications Operations Office will be responsible in identifying the Cabinet official who would then provide the details to the Media. Please note that this memorandum is being issued as a formality, as the Cabinet Secretaries were present during the meeting. For strict compliance. (SGD.) LEONCIO B. EVASCO JR.