WHEREAS, Memorandum Order No. 57, series of 1999 created the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson in the Office of the President;

WHEREAS, the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson is mandated to provide the mechanism for a relevant and effective information and communication management program that will present the activities, policies and directions of the Presidency;

WHEREAS, the Office of the Press Secretary serves as a conduit in informing the Filipino people of the affairs and functions of the President of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, there is a need to rationalize and enhance the coordination and monitoring of the above activities and concerns and to further streamline the functions and improve the procedures within the Office of the President;

WHEREAS, the President has the continuing authority to reorganize his office pursuant to the Revised Administrative Code of 1997 (Sec. 31, Chapter 10).

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1.       Abolishing the Office of Presidential Spokesperson and Transferring its Functions to the Office of the Press Secretary . - The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson is hereby abolished and its functions as provided in Memorandum Order No. 57, series of 1999, shall be performed by the Press Secretary. These functions include the following:

1.1    Act as the official spokesperson of the President;

1.2    Monitor and evaluate developments affecting the Presidency and submit draft Presidential statements on issues emanating therefrom;

1.3    Coordinate with the Office of the President, the Office of the Executive Secretary, and the Presidential Management Staff and other concerned government agencies in addressing public issues affecting the Presidency; and

1.4    Undertake other functions that may be deemed necessary by the President.

SECTION 2.       Repealing Clause . - All issuances, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Memorandum Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 3.       Effectivity . - This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 24 Apr. 2000

BY THE PRESIDENT:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary