WHEREAS, the Office of the Press Secretary, which was organized under Executive Order No. 297, dated July 25, 1987, is under the Office of the President pursuant to Republic Act No. 6688, otherwise known as the 1989 General Appropriations Act, in relation to Section 30, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III, of Executive Order No. 292, dated July 25, 1987, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987;

WHEREAS, "the President, subject to the policy in the Executive Office and in order to achieve simplicity, economy and efficiency, has continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President;"

WHEREAS, the Press Secretary shall among other functions, act as the Presidential Spokesman and attend to the information needs of the President pursuant to Section 9 of Executive Order No. 297; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the Press Secretary by separating the functions of Presidential Spokesman from the other  Functions of the Press Secretary;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, by virtue by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. The functions of the Presidential Spokesman are hereby separated from the other functions of the Press Secretary. Accordingly, Section 9 of Executive Order No. 297, dated July 25, 1987, is hereby amended to read as follows:

1. Provide information regarding the plans, programs, activities of the President to the public;
   
   
2. Maintain liaison and close coordination with government departments and agencies involved  in preparing and planning the activities of the President;
   
   
3. Prepare and develop communications programs on policies, activities, and programs of the Presidency;
   
   
4. Coordinate with the various media, both local and foreign, in disseminating information regarding the affairs of the Presidency;
   
   
5. Assume full responsibility for the accomplishment of the Office's objectives and operations;
   
   
6. Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Office pursuant to the programs of the Government and the President;
   
   
7. Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement Office objectives, policies and functions;
   
   
8. Exercise direct supervision and control over all offices and units under the Office;
   
   
9. Delegate authority for the performance of any function to officers and employees under his direction; and
   
   
10. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or as may be assigned by the President.
    

Section 2. The position of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel in the Office of the President (proper), which was classified as Presidential Assistant I (rank of department undersecretary) in the Position Allocation List (PAL) of the Office of the President (proper), is hereby reclassified as Presidential Assistant II (rank of department secretary) exercising the dual functions of Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 30th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-nine.


By the President:

(Sgd.) CATALINO MACARAIG, JR.
Executive Secretary