Creation of the Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws and Standards

August 22, 2007

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 655

CREATING THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON THE SECURITY OF ENERGY FACILITIES AND ENFORCEMENT OF ENERGY LAWS AND STANDARDS

WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) No. 7638 creating the Department of Energy (DOE) provides in Section 2 thereof a State policy that ensures a continuous, adequate and economic supply of energy with the end in view of ultimately achieving self-reliance in the country's energy requirements through the integrated and intensive exploration, management, and development of the country's indigenous energy resources, and through the judicious conservation, renewal and efficient utilization of energy to keep pace with the country's growth and economic development and taking into consideration the active participation of the private sector in various areas of energy resource development;

WHEREAS, the rationalization, integration, and coordination of various programs of the government towards self-sufficiency and enhanced productivity in power and energy without sacrificing ecological considerations is also provided in RA No. 7638;

WHEREAS, the DOE is mandated to exercise supervision and control over all government activities relative to energy projects, and regulate private sector activities as provided under existing laws;

WHEREAS, there is a need to ensure the security and protection of energy and power related facilities and associated infrastructure, and enforcement of energy and related laws and standards, to safeguard the welfare of the consumers against violators of energy rules and regulations, such as in liquefied petroleum gases and smuggling of petroleum products, amongst others;

WHEREAS, there is a need to have a comprehensive plan and national coordinating mechanism on the protection of energy facilities and enforcement of energy and related laws and standards, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the management of energy resources relative to their exploration, development, utilization, distribution, and conservation. ScAaHE

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws and Standards. — The Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws and Standards, hereinafter referred to as the PTF-SEFEELS, is hereby created under the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), to be headed by the Department of Energy (DOE). The PTF-SEFEELS shall act with resolve and urgency to ensure the security and protection of energy and power-related facilities and associated infrastructures and enforcement of energy and related laws and standards.

SECTION 2. Composition. — The PTF-SEFEELS shall be composed of the Department of Energy as Chair, with the Departments of National Defense (DND), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Science and Technology (DOST), and Trade and Industry (DTI) as members.

SECTION 3. Functions and Responsibilities. — The PTF-SEFEELS shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

1. Formulate a comprehensive national plan for the security and protection of energy and power-related facilities and associated infrastructure;

2. Provide overall coordination in the implementation of the national plan;

3. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the national plan. Regular security inspection and review of specific security plans of energy and power-related facilities and infrastructure shall be conducted;

4. Conduct regular assessment of potential threats, both man-made and natural, to the energy and power-related infrastructure;

5. Coordinate and provide assistance in the enforcement of energy and related laws and standards; SDIaCT

6. Conduct enforcement operations on compliance to energy and related laws and standards;

7. Recommend policies and strategies to improve the security and protection of energy and power related facilities and enforcement of various energy and related laws and standards;

8. Formulate and implement innovative and strategic interventions that are inter-agency in nature;

9. Conduct information and education campaign on the need for securing and protecting energy and power-related facilities and enforcing various energy and related laws and standards; and

10. Perform such other functions as may be directed by the President.

SECTION 4. Operations Center. — An Operations Center is hereby created, based at the DOE. The Operations Center shall be headed by an Executive Director, with the rank of Undersecretary whose designation shall be approved by the President. The personnel of the Operations Center shall be recruited and contributed by members of the PTF-SEFEELS, to be designated by the Chair with the approval of the President.

SECTION 5. Deactivation of the National Anti-Environment Crime Task Force. — The National Anti-Environment Crime Task Force (NAECTAF) created under the PAOCC through Executive Order (EO) No. 515 issued on March 15, 2006 is hereby deactivated. All personnel and assets assigned to NAECTAF shall be transferred to the PTF-SEFEELS.

SECTION 6. Agency Assistance. — All departments, agencies, offices or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, are hereby directed to provide support, assistance and resources of the PTF-SEFEELS in the discharge of its functions.

SECTION 7. Funding. — The PTF-SEFEELS shall source its operational fund from unprogrammed funds of the DOE, and/or as may be recommended and/or approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Starting budgetary year 2008, its operating budget shall be incorporated in the budgetary allocation of the DOE and member-agencies. The initial funds shall be used for the operation of the PTF-SEFEELS and the Operations Center, preparation of national plans and information and education campaigns, and enforcement activities.

SECTION 8. Non-Diminution of Mandates. — Nothing in this Executive Order shall diminish the mandates, functions and responsibilities of all concerned agencies. ESTCHa

SECTION 9. Repeal. — All executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order, are hereby revoked, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. — This Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of August, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven. SaCIDT

Published in The Manila Times on September 6, 2007.