WHEREAS, it is desirable to galvanize support from local leaders for the government and Medium Term Philippine Development Plan goal of federalism,

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

1. There is hereby formed a panel including the Secretary of Interior and Local Government, the Secretary of Justice, the Director-General of the Presidential Management Staff and the Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, to work with the leaders of the local government units, Congress allies, and even pro-federalism opposition leaders to draft a roadmap to federalism by 2012.
   
   
2. The measures shall include: Super region planning and oversight bodies with officials and staff from the Regional Development Councils and national agencies, to draw up programs and projects up to a stipulated amount, for inclusion in the 2009 budget; legislation to affirm and expand executive issuances; and eventually charter changes.
   

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary

Manila, 15 October 2007