EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 168, January 16, 2003

RECONSTITUTING AND REVITALIZING THE COUNCIL OF STATE

WHEREAS, there is a need for a consultative body, bound by a common respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, which will serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas, foster national cooperation, propose meaningful reforms in government, and advise the President on matters of public policy;

WHEREAS, by virtue of Executive Order No. 305 dated September 9, 1987, the Council of State was created to provide the President with reliable information and competent advice on pressing issues and problems of national interest;

WHEREAS, there is a need to reconstitute and revitalize the Council of State as the highest advisory body of the Government concerning critical and important national policies.

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

Section 1. The Council of State is hereby reconstituted and shall be composed of the following:

a. The President of the Republic of the Philippines, as Chairman;

b. The Former Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines;

c. The Vice President;

d. The President of the Senate;

e. The Speaker of the House of Representatives;

f. The President Pro-Tempore of the Senate;

g. The Deputy Speakers for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao of the House;

h. The Majority Floor Leader of the Senate;

i. The Majority Floor Leader of the House;

j. The Minority Floor Leader of the Senate;

k. The Minority Floor Leader of the House;

l. The Executive Secretary and Members of the Cabinet designated by the President;

m. Other Members of the Congress designated by the President;

n. The Presidents of the League of Provinces, the League of Cities and the League of Municipalities;

o. Representatives from the private sector to be appointed by the President; and

p. Such other persons as the President may appoint from time to time.

Section 2. The Cabinet Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat of the Council of State.

Section 3. Executive Order No. 305 dated September 9, 1987 is hereby modified accordingly.

Section 4. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

City of Manila, January 16, 2003.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary