WHEREAS, the President, in the exercise of her power of supervision and control over all executive departments, exercises discretion to grant executive clemency involving administrative penalties imposed upon officials in the Executive branch;

WHEREAS, Book V, Title I, Subtitle A, Section 53 of the Administrative Code of 1987 states that "in meritorious cases and upon recommendation of the (Civil Service) Commission, the President may commute or remove administrative penalties or disabilities imposed upon officers or employees in disciplinary cases, subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose in the interest of the service;"

WHEREAS, Book III, Title 3, Chapter 9, Section 27 (10) of the Administrative Code states that the Executive Secretary shall "exercise primary authority to sign papers 'By authority of the President;'"

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 confirm the authority of Executive Secretary Alberto G. Romulo to grant or deny Petitions for Executive Clemency for commutation or removal of administrative penalties/disabilities imposed upon officials in the Executive branch.

This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 27th day of February, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and three.

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary