EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 693, January 18, 2008

MANDATING THAT HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVING THE RANK AND LEVEL OF DEPARTMENT SECRETARY SHALL HENCEFORTH BE ADDRESSED AS SECRETARY OF THEIR AGENCIES

WHEREAS, the heads of government agencies are addressed as Chairman, Director-General, Commissioner, and other similar title/designation;

WHEREAS, such title/designation enjoys the benefits, privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of Secretary as stated in their charters;

WHEREAS, in maintaining the highest standard or morale and to observe formality and equity during meetings, affairs and correspondence within the ranks of members of the Presidential family;

WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution provides that the President shall have control of all executive departments, bureau and offices and shall ensure that all laws be faithfully executed;

WHEREAS, paragraph 2, Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of Executive Order No. 292 grants the President the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President and the power to transfer any function under the Office of the President to any other Department;

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

Section 1. Order - All Heads of Government Agencies having the rank and level of a Department Secretary shall be addressed as Secretary of their agency.

Section 2. Repealing Clause - All orders, issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 18th day of January 2008.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary