WHEREAS, there is a need to safeguard the truth of history of the martial law years, and a need to remember the struggle for freedom and democracy during this period;

WHEREAS, our national spirit was forged through a ceaseless struggle for freedom of Filipinos who rose against colonial masters to become a nation of our own aspiration and creation, molded and formed by our national and collective history as a people, with our own culture, values, ethos, political identity and national psyche;

WHEREAS, the February 22-25, 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution which restored democratic institutions and ushered meaningful political, social, and economic reforms in the country serves as an inspiration as we continue to chart our collective course as a nation and a people;

WHEREAS, the triumph of this revolution was anchored upon people power, the ultimate demonstration of the citizen ™s solidarity in seeking to transform Philippine society, and to chart a new course for the country ™s history by linking arms and courageously asserting our democratic rights;

WHEREAS, the Filipinos astounded the world with feats of valor during the four historic days of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 22-25, 1986 showing other captive people the way towards a peaceful political revolution of our time, thereby winning the respect and admiration of the world;

WHEREAS, there is a need to institutionalize the legacy of EDSA People Power Revolution, rooted in the same spirit that brought our people to freedom a century ago, through a dedicated organization established specifically to institute appropriate means, activities and concerted action that will serve to enshrine EDSA People Power as a continuing and permanent source of inspiration for future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1.Creation of the Commission. There is hereby constituted an EDSA People Power Commission (hereinafter referred to as the œCommission ) that will closely coordinate with the Spirit of EDSA Foundation and other similar private sector groups to perpetuate and propagate the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

SEC. 2. Functions. The Commission shall have the following functions:

a. Initiate activities that will expand awareness of the principles and values that the EDSA People Power Revolution stands for;

b. Plan, organize and implement the yearly commemoration of the February 22-25, 1986 EDSA Revolution every 25 th of February;

c. Ensure the continued management of the People Power Monument;

d. Provide the property and logistical requirements for the EDSA Freedom Center, EDSA Museum and Institute of Freedom and Democracy, and effect the appropriate legal instruments thereon;

e. Submit regular reports to the President; and,

f. Perform such other functions as may be directed by the President.

SEC. 3. Composition. The Commission shall be chaired by a Cabinet Member designated by the President and Co-Chaired by a private sector representative to be appointed by the President.

The Commission shall have 25 members who shall serve for a period of six years. For the initial composition of the Commission, thirteen members shall serve for a period of six years, while twelve members shall serve for a period of three years.

The members shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines based on the recommendations of the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the Commission.

Lifetime honorary membership to the Commission shall be given to Former President Corazon C. Aquino, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin.

SEC. 4. Secretariat. Secretariat support to the Commission shall be provided by the Chairman of the Commission.

SEC. 5. Funding. The Secretary of Budget and Management shall allocate for the Commission the amount of THREE MILLION PESOS as development fund in support of the Commission. Appropriations for succeeding years shall be incorporated in the regular budget of the Office of the President.

Funds derived from sources other than those coming from the government will be accounted for separately in accordance with generally accepted accounting/auditing procedures and will be regularly reported to the Commission.

SEC. 6. Assistance from Other Agencies and Private Sector Groups. The Commission may call on other government agencies and instrumentalities and invite private sector groups and individuals to participate in its activities and programs.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. All orders and issuances which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Executive Order is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.

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

DONE in the City of Manila, this 22nd  day of February, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Nine.

(SGD.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary