EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 401 January 20, 2005

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

WHEREAS, Tensions in the Middle East continue to exist particularly in Iraq, continue to pose serious threat to the economic stability and related remification 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, it is of critical importance that there is a focused and deliberate response to the developments in the Middle East;

WHEREAS, coordination between and among agencies engaged in the development of appropriate responses must be enhanced to efficiency address the situation;

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

WHEREAS, there is a need for the PMEPC to continue its mandate under Executive Order 159, including its additional tasks pursuant to Executive Order Nos. 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 Philippines, by virtue of the power vested in me by law, do hereby order the extension of the duration of the PMEPC from December 23, 2004 to June 30, 2005 or unless otherwise directed by the President.

Section 1. Functions – The PMEPC shall continue to exercise its functions and responsibilities as provided under EO 159 dated December 23, 2003, EO 194 and EO 195, both dated April 14, 2003, as extended by EO 292 dated March 1, 2004.

Section 2. Funding – The Committee shall be provided with an additional allocation of SEVEN MILLION PESOS (P7,000,000.00) for its administrative and operational expenses to be drawn from the Contingency Fund of the Office of the President. Additional financial requirements that may be needed by the Committee shall be sourced out by the Department of Budget and Management from available funds of the concerned agencies forming part of the PMEPC, subject to the usual government accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Section 4. Effectivity – this Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila this 20th day of January in the year of the Lord, two thousand and five.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary