WHEREAS , by virtue of Executive Order No. 46 dated January 11, 1993, the Bipartisan Executive-Legislative Advisory Council was constituted to serve as an advisory body to the President with respect to issues relative to Sabah;

WHEREAS , by virtue of Executive Order No. 117 dated July 5, 1999, the Bipartisan Executive-Legislative Advisory Council was reconstituted;

WHEREAS , in light of recent events, there is a need to reconstitute the Bipartisan Executive-Legislative Advisory Council.

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 order:

SECTION 1. Reconstitution . - The Bipartisan Executive-Legislative Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, is hereby reconstituted and shall be composed of the following:

a. Five (5) representatives from the Executive Branch to be designated by the President of the Republic of the Philippines;

b. Five (5) members of the Senate which shall include a member from the minority party, to be designated by the Senate President;

c. Five (5) members of the House of Representatives which shall include a member from the minority party, to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

d. Three (3) representatives from the private sector, to be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The President shall designate the Chairman of the Council.

SECTION 2. Functions . - The Council shall serve as an advisory body to the President with respect to the broad range of issues concerning Sabah.

SECTION 3. Meetings . - The President shall call the initial meeting of the Council, as reconstituted. Thereafter, the Council shall meet as often as agreed upon by the body or as may be convened by the President.

SECTION 4. Secretariat . - The Council shall reorganize its Secretariat to be headed by an Executive Director who shall be the current Head of the Sabah Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

SECTION 5. Office . - The Council shall hold office at the DFA which shall ensure that the Council is provided with the necessary office space and facilities.

SECTION 6. Funding . - Appropriations for the operations and activities of the Council shall continue to be incorporated in the budget proposals under the DFA.

SECTION 7. Effectivity . - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

City of Manila, September 6, 2002.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary