EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, March 01, 2004

EXTENDING THE DURATION OF OPERATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MIDDLE EAST PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE ( PMEPC )

WHEREAS, the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMEPC) was established pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 159 dated December 23, 2002 to prepare, coordinate and implement the government’s response to the critical developments in the Middle East;

WHEREAS, said EO 159 provides that the PMEPC shall exist for a period up to twelve (12) months, or until December 23, 2003, unless otherwise directed by the President;

WHEREAS, tensions in the Middle East continue to exist, particularly in the country of Iraq, which continues to pose a serious threat to the economic stability and related ramification on the country’s national security and development;

WHEREAS, the safety and welfare of some 1.4 million overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East is of primordial concern to the national government;

WHEREAS, the country remains steadfast in its support against global terrorism;

WHEREAS, the Philippines as member of the family of nations, has committed to support the Iraqi people in rebuilding their nations in its quest for lasting democracy;

WHEREAS, Philippines has sent a Philippine Humanitarian Contingent to Iraq (PHCI) last August 20, 2003nfor an initial period of not less than six (6) months composed of AFP, PNP and DOH personnel;

WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO executive Order 195, the PMEPC was also tasked to oversee the administration and operations of the PHCI while deployed in Iraq;

WHEREAS, there is therefore a need for the PMEPC to continue with its mandate, including its additional tasks pursuant to E.O. 194 and 195.

WHEREAS, UNDER section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the continuing authority to reorganize the functions of the Office of the President;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested I me by law, do hereby order the one (1) year extension of the existence of the PMEPC or until December 23, 2004, unless otherwise directed by the President.

Section 1. Functions – The PMEPC shall continue to exercise its function and responsibilities as provided under EO 159 dated December 23, 2002, EO 194 dated April 14, 2003 and EO 195 dated April 14, 2003

Section 2. Funding – The PMEPC shall coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management for its funding requirements, the source of which may include the Contingency Fund of the President as well as available funds from agencies forming part of the PMEPC, subject to the usual government accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Section 3. Repeal – All other rules, regulations and issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 4. Effectivity – This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 1st day of March, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and Four.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary