WHEREAS, the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution articulates the aspiration of the sovereign Filipino people to build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace;

WHEREAS, the comprehensive peace process agenda in Mindanao is an indispensable component to achieve real and inclusive regional and national development goals;

WHEREAS, the Government entered into the 2012 Framework Agreement (hereinafter the Agreement), which is envisioned to pave the way for the peaceful resolution of the armed struggle in Mindanao;

WHEREAS, the Government acknowledges its commitment to exert all efforts towards realizing the full implementation of the Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order that:

SECTION 1. Organization. The Transition Commission (hereinafter the Commission) is hereby constituted.

SECTION 2. Composition. The Commission shall be composed of fifteen (15) members appointed by the President in accordance with the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The Commission may sit en banc or constitute itself into divisions, as it may deem necessary for the speedy, effective and efficient performance of its functions.

SECTION 3. Functions. The Commission shall have the following functions:

a. To draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro;

b. Whenever necessary, to recommend to Congress or the people proposed amendments to the 1987 Philippine Constitution;

c. Whenever necessary, to assist in identifying and coordinating development programs in the proposed Bangsamoro in conjunction with the MILF Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI).

For this purpose, the Commission may likewise coordinate with such other relevant government agencies and/ or non-government organizations;

d. To coordinate and conduct dialogues and consultations with the National Government and various stakeholders in furtherance of its functions; and

e. To perform such other relevant functions as the President may hereinafter direct.

SECTION 4. Coordination with the Legislature. The Commission may directly coordinate with legislative bodies in order to accomplish its functions under this order.

SECTION 5. Duration. The Commission shall cease to operate upon the enactment by Congress of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

SECTION 6. Relationship with Government Agencies. Consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations, all national government agencies, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) may be called upon to support the Commission in the performance of its functions.

SECTION 7. Transparency and Inclusivity. The Commission shall ensure transparency, inclusivity and utmost professionalism in the performance of its mandate, and shall provide for appropriate and effective mechanisms for consultations with all stakeholders, as may be warranted.

SECTION 8. Secretariat and Technical Committees; Office. The Commission shall organize its Secretariat to be headed by an Executive Director as may be designated by the Chair. The Secretariat shall provide administrative and technical support to the Commission. The Commission and its Secretariat shall hold office in such venue as the Commission may deem appropriate.

The Commission is hereby authorized to create technical committees and designate members thereof, and may engage the assistance of experts and professional advisors, subject to government rules and regulations.

SECTION 9. Budget. The Commission shall be funded with an initial allocation of ONE HUNDRED MILLION Pesos (P100,000,000.00) from the Contingent Fund of the Office of the President. Appropriation for succeeding years shall be incorporated in budget proposals under the Office of the President.

SECTION 10. Administrative Guidelines. The Commission shall adopt guidelines for the effective implementation of this order.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. All previous issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity. This order shall take effect upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 17th day of December, in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twelve.

 

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Phiilippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary