WHEREAS , the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 778 on March 4, 1982 with the mandate to administer and operate the Manila International Airport;

WHEREAS , the MIAA was authorized and directed to exercise administrative supervision and control over all international airports in the Philippines pursuant to Executive Order No. 341 issued on August 4, 2004;

WHEREAS , NAIA International Passenger Terminal III is a major infrastructure project initiated in 1997 to service the heavy passenger traffic;

WHEREAS , since its construction in 1998, Terminal III has not been operational due to several legal, technical and other controversies;

WHEREAS , the immediate opening and operation of Terminal III is of paramount national importance;

WHEREAS , there is a need to create a Task Force that will solely and exclusively address all concerns, handle and coordinate all matters relating to the immediate opening and operation of NAIA Terminal III;

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

SECTION 1.Creation of the Presidential Task Force on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport International Passenger Terminal III. The Presidential Task Force on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport International Passenger Terminal III is hereby created. The Office shall henceforth be referred to as Task Force Terminal III. The Head of the Task Force shall be appointed by the President.

SEC. 2.Mandate. The Task Force is hereby mandated to ensure the immediate opening and operation of Terminal III.

SEC. 3.Administrative Supervision and Control. To fulfill its mandate, the Task Force is hereby authorized and directed to exercise administrative supervision and control over Terminal III.

For the purpose, the Task Force through its Head shall perform the following:
a. Exercise control and supervision over the opening of Terminal III;
b. Act directly on any matter involving the opening of Terminal III;
c. Provide policy directions and executive guidance on all matters relating to the opening of Terminal III;
d. Control, supervise, construct, maintain and provide such facilities or services as shall be necessary for the immediate opening and functioning of Terminal III;
e. Direct any of the officials of the MIAA or any other office or agency to perform their duties related to the opening of Terminal III;
f. Subject to law, review, approve, reverse or modify acts and decisions of the governing board, officials or units over matters relating to the opening of Terminal III;
g. Formulate and adopt the necessary and most appropriate course of action to ensure that Terminal III is opened and operated immediately, based on the decisions of the Supreme Court and applicable laws;
h. Implement the necessary and appropriate course of action that ensures the safety and security of the passengers;
i. Represent the President in all discussions with concerned parties and stakeholders to resolve issues relating to the completion and opening of Terminal III;
j. Call upon any department, bureau, office or agency of the Executive Branch to ensure the efficient discharge of relevant functions in relation to the completion and opening of the NAIA Terminal III;
k. Oversee and monitor all government actions in relation to the completion, opening and operation of Terminal III;
l. Perform such other functions as the President may direct.

SEC. 4. Secretariat and Technical Support. The Task Force shall be assisted by a General Counsel, Secretariat and Technical Staff. The Task Force may hire its confidential staff and may utilize the existing staff complement of any government department, office, bureau or agency.

SEC. 5. Assistance from MIAA. The MIAA shall provide administrative support and technical assistance to the Task Force.

SEC. 6. Support from Government Offices and Agencies. The Task Force may call upon the support of any department, bureau and office of the Executive Branch to assist the Task Force in the discharge of its functions, such as but not limited to the provision of administrative or technical assistance, logistical support and detail of personnel.

SEC. 7. Budgetary Support. The Secretary of Budget and Management, is hereby directed to provide an initial budget from the Office of the President in the amount as he deems appropriate to enable the Task Force to discharge its functions.

SEC. 8. Repeal. Executive Orders 778 and 341 are hereby modified accordingly. All executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the Executive Order are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 9th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary