Grant of Powers to DOTC Secretary to Develop Transportation Networks

July 4, 2005

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 123

AUTHORIZING THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TO PERFORM ALL POWERS AND FUNCTIONS NECESSARY TO CONNECT THE COUNTRY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS SUCH AS THE ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF SYSTEM

WHEREAS, the development of the Roll-On/Roll-Off System will provide the linkages among the islands of the country enhancing to promote trade, tourism and reduce transport;

WHEREAS, Executive Order Nos. 170 and 170-A were issued to encourage private sector participation in the Roll-On/Roll-Off Terminal System (RRTS) by providing streamlined processing of permits, financing and incentives;

WHEREAS, the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) was established to demonstrate the viability of the RO-RO System by providing an alternative route linking Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the Western Seaboard;

WHEREAS, the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) for 2005-2010 provides for the prioritization and development of the RO-RO System through the establishment of the Nautical Highway System composed of the Western, Eastern and Central Nautical Highway System;

WHEREAS, there is a need to effectively and carefully plan, manage, direct, coordinate and monitor the efforts of the national government agencies, local government units, financial institutions and the private sector for the continued and integrated implementation of the RO-RO System in the country; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and Communications including its attached agencies, is primarily responsible for inter-model transport policy and planning, port and shipping development and regulation, maritime security and safety.

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. Lead Agency for the Implementation of the RO-RO-System. — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall serve as the lead agency in the implementation of the RO-RO System in the country, including but not limited to the RRTS, SRNH and Nautical Highway System. It shall primarily carry out the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of all RO-RO System projects to ensure the effective and integrated development of the RO-RO System in the country.

SECTION 2. Role of the DOTC Secretary. — The DOTC Secretary is hereby authorized to direct, manage and coordinate all activities, mobilize available government resources and call on the assistance of all government agencies concerned for the implementation of the RO-RO System in accordance with applicable laws.

SECTION 3. Cooperation and Support of Government Agencies. — All departments, bureaus, offices and other government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and/or controlled corporations are hereby directed to extend full cooperation, support and assistance to the DOTC and DOTC Secretary regarding all matters and requests specifically related to and covered by this order. TEcHCA

The following department, agencies and corporations shall form the core of the inter-agency group for the development and implementation of RO-RO system with the following composition:

Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communications  Chairman Co-Vice-Chairman Co-Vice-Chairman

As members, the following departments/entities shall be included and represented by an Assistant Secretary or an Official of equivalent rank:

 Department of Public Works and Highways Department of Agriculture Department of Tourism Department of Trade and Industry Department of Interior and Local Government Department Bank of the Philippines

The private sector shall also be included and represented from the following associations:

 Federation of Philippine Industries Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Distribution Management Association of the Philippines

The DOTC shall provide a Secretariat for the Inter-Agency Group to be headed by an Assistant Secretary and composed of officials of the Department and its attached agencies with a rank equivalent to a Director.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Order is declared invalid, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain effective.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — All orders, issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Administrative Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. — This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 4th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Five.