WHEREAS, Executive Order (EO) No. 2 (s. 2016) operationalized the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the Executive branch, ensuring the effective exercise of every Filipino's right to access to information;

WHEREAS, there is a need to continuously monitor the implementation of EO No. 2 across all government agencies in the Executive branch;

WHEREAS, the designation of a lead agency shall ensure the successful implementation of the FOI program;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA, Executive Secretary, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1. Lead Agency. The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is hereby designated as the lead agency in the implementation of EO No. 2 and all other FOI programs or initiatives, including electronic freedom of information (e-FOI) in the Executive branch.

SECTION 2. Mandate. As lead agency, the PCOO shall:

(a) oversee implementation of all FOI and e-FOI  programs for all government   agencies in the Executive branch and monitor compliance therewith;     (b) develop programs and mechanisms to enhance the capacity of government agencies to comply with FOI programs; and     (c) conduct and facilitate the necessary capacity and institutional building programs for all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities.

SECTION 3. Assistance and Cooperation. All departments, agencies, bureaus, offices or instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are directed to render full assistance and cooperation to the PCOO as may be required to carry out its functions pursuant to this Order.

SECTION 4. Effectivity. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 29th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.