WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) No. 10667, or the œPhilippine Competition Act,  established the Philippine Competition Commission to implement the national competition policy and the objectives and purposes under the law;

WHEREAS, the timely performance by the Commission of some of its crucial functions, such as the promulgation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations within 180 days from the effectivity of RA 10667, the implementation of a 2-year advocacy program, and the organization and mobilization of resources, necessitates the immediate organization and operation of the Commission;

WHEREAS, such initial organization may be hampered by the various prohibitions of certain activities during the forthcoming elections; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to provide a temporary office space and other logistical support for the Chairperson and Members of the Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE, the following are hereby ordered:

SECTION 1. There is hereby established an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) composed of representatives, with a rank of not lower than Undersecretary, from the Office of the President, Department of Budget and Management, Development Academy of the Philippines, and the Commission. The IATF shall be headed by the Commission Chairperson or his duly designated representative.

The heads of the agencies comprising the IATF shall designate their respective representatives and thereafter, the IATF shall convene immediately upon call by the Commission Chairperson.

SECTION 2. The IATF shall have the primary duty of expediting the organization of the Commission. In line therewith, the IATF shall undertake the following functions:

1. Assist in obtaining immediate funding and logistical requirements, such as temporary office space, physical equipment, secretariat services, communication facilities, supplies and materials, among others, for the initial organization of the Commission;
2. Assist in the prompt approval of the organization and staffing pattern and in the screening, secondment, and recruitment of personnel, subject to pertinent laws, rules and regulations;
3. Provide general administrative support and assistance in the procurement needs of the Commission;
4. Assist in the development of office policies and internal rules and regulations;
5. Coordinate with the public and private sectors, including research institutions, for the purpose of providing such assistance as the Commission may require for the immediate organization of the Commission.

SECTION 3. This Circular shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until 30 June 2016, or until the commencement of the normal operations of the Commission, whichever comes earlier.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 11th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.