WHEREAS, there exist sixteen Royal Sultanates which are recognized in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, the cities of Marawi and Iligan and some municipalities in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon;

WHEREAS, the sixteen Royal Sultanates have manifested their willingness to participate and contribute towards the development of Mindanao and the promotion of peace in their area;

WHEREAS, there is a need for a council that can advice the President regarding issues and problems in the aforementioned area, facilitate the settlement of conflicts and assist in the implementation of government programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Creation of the Lanao Advisory Council. - There is hereby created a Lanao Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall advice the President on matters concerning and/or affecting the areas where the sixteen Royal Sultanates are recognized, facilitate the settlement of conflicts and assist the government in the implementation of government programs in said areas.

SECTION 2. Composition of the Council. - Each of the sixteen Royal Sultanates shall be entitled to equal representation in the Council.  Each of the Sultanate shall be represented by their respective Sultan.  The Sultans shall thereafter elect among themselves the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council.

SECTION 3. Duties and Functions of the Council

The Council shall have the following duties and functions:

a. Give advice and recommendations to the President on matters that will promote peace and development within the area concerning and/or affecting their areas of responsibility;

b. Facilitate the peaceful settlement of conflicts in their area of responsibility;

c. Assist the government in the implementation of its programs within their area of responsibility;

d. Perform such other functions and duties as maybe assigned by the President of the Philippines.

The Council shall submit to the President quarterly reports on its accomplishments and activities.

SECTION 4. Funding - The Council shall be provided an annual funding of ONE MILLION PESOS (Php 1,000,000.00) for its administrative and operational expenses to be sourced from the budget of the Office of the President.

SECTION 5. Repeal - All other rules, regulations and issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila this 9th day of February in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary