EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 334, July 20, 2004

ABOLISHING THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE COUNCIL AND TRANSFERRING ITS BUDGET, ASSETS, PERSONNEL, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS TO THE COMMISSION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the government to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness in fostering and sustaining an e-enabled information society;

WHEREAS, the Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Council (ITECC) was created pursuant to Executive Order No. 264 dated 12 July 2000 and amended by Executive Order No. 18 dated 25 May 2001;

WHEREAS, the ITECC was mandated to act as the primary planning and policy advisory body on development, promotion and application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and e-commerce initiatives;

WHEREAS, the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), created pursuant to Executive Order No. 269 dated 12 January 2004, functions as the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating and administrative entity for ICT of the Executive Branch of the Government;

WHEREAS, it is desirable to centralize all ICT and ICT-related programs and projects, functions and initiatives in one government agency;

WHEREAS, the government recognizes that the development of ICT will have a higher chance of success and sustainability if it is private sector-led market-based and government-enabled; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for close coordination between the government and the private sector for the promotion and continued growth and development of ICT in the country.

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

Section 1. The Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (ITECC) is hereby abolished and its budget, assets, records, personnel, programs and projects, and functions are transferred to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), as appropriate.

Section 2. The CICT is hereby directed to constitute a private sector advisory board top assist the CICT in the effective implementation of the provisions of Executive Order 269 s. 2004. The CICT Advisory Board shall report directly to the Chairman of the CICT.

Section 3. All orders, rules and regulations and issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive Order 269 s. 2004. The CICT Advisory Board shall report directly to the Chairman of the CICT.

Section 4. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 20th day of July, 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