EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 649, August 08, 2007

TRANSFERRING THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL TRADING CORPORATION FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AND DESIGNATING THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AS EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD THEREOF

WHEREAS, the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), by virtue of the Executive Order No. 345, series of 2004, was transferred from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the Office of the President in order for the latter to closely monitor and oversee the efficient and effective implementation of the Government’s commitment under the Presidential 10-Point Legacy;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Executive Order No. 442, series of 2005, the PITC has been designated as the lead coordinating agency to make quality, essential and life-saving medicines available, affordable and accessible to the greater masses of Filipinos, in consonance with the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for 2005-2010;

WHEREAS, under Executive Order No. 326, series of 2004, the President shall appoint the Chairman of the PITC Board;

WHEREAS, there is a need for the DTI to monitor the development, regulatory, and service delivery undertakings of the PITC pertinent to international trade and commerce;

WHEREAS, it is imperative for the Secretary of Health to assume the chairmanship of the PITC Board to ensure continuous supply of high quality, sale, effective and affordable drugs and medicines; and

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 administrative structure of the Office of the President.

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

Section 1. Transfer. - The Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) is hereby transferred from the Office of the President to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Section 2. Chairman of the PITC Board. The Secretary of Health shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the PITC Board.

Section 3. Repealing Clause. - All executive issuances or portions thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

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

DONE in the City of Manila, this 8th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.

(Sgd.) GLORIA M. ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary