Executive Order No. 508, March 1, 2006

ABOLISHING THE OFFICE OF THE CABINET OFFICER FOR PRESIDENTIAL ENGAGEMENTS

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 708 dated 27 July 1981 reorganized the Office of the President and included the Presidential Appointments Office;

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 335 dated 19 July 2004 created the Office of the Cabinet Officer for Provincial Events (COPE);

WHEREAS, Memorandum Order No. 162 dated 4 March 2005 revised the functions and title of the COPE to be known as the Cabinet Officer for Presidential Engagements with the primary function of Appointments Secretary;

WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 138 dated 13 January 2006 rationalized the Office of the Presidential Chief of Staff and provided that the Chief of Staff shall oversee the Appointments Office;

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 COPE is hereby abolished.

Section 2. The Presidential Appointments Office shall be headed by a senior official of appropriate rank and shall be under the supervision and control of the Presidential Chief of Staff.

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orders, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 4. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 1st day of March 2006.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary