WHEREAS, the Philippine Government, due to its present fiscal constraints is unable to provide budgetary support for the holding in the country of the World Expo 2002, enlists the private sector ™s resources and initiatives to ensure the successful conduct of the World Expo in the country;

WHEREAS, the private sector has taken the lead in the preparations and coordination for the holding of the World Expo in Manila in the year 2002;

WHEREAS, the government ™s role in the conduct of the World Expo 2002 shall be confined to providing policy support and ensuring a climate of peace and order for the Expo;

WHEREAS, the functions and duties of the World Expo 2002 Philippines Commission created under Executive Order No. 177 s. of 1994, as amended by Executive Order No. 17 s. 1998, can be taken over by the private sector; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the abolition of the World Expo 2002 Philippines Commission and the transfer of its residual functions and assets, if any, to the Department of Tourism.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of December, in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Eight.

(SGD.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary