MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TO LEAD IN FORMULATING A NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT (EST) FOR THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, Section 9 of EO No. 774 provided that to reduce the
consumption of fossil fuels, the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC) shall lead a Task Group on Fossil Fuels (TGFF) to
reform the transportation sector;

WHEREAS, officials of the DOTC attended the Ministerial Conference on
Global Environment and Energy in Transport in Japan on 14-16 January
2009, wherein the ministers responsible for environment and energy in
the transport sector committed to combating climate change.

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

SECTION 1. Mandating the Task Group on Fossil Fuels (TGFF) to formulate a National Environmentally Sustainable Transport
Strategy for the Philippines – The TGFF shall be primarily
responsible for the effective coordination by various agencies of the
government, international organizations and the private sector
pertaining to the formulation of the National Environmentally
Sustainable Transport (EST) Strategy, including all activities related
thereto.

SECTION 2. Composition of the TGFF – The TGFF shall be composed of the following:

a. Group Head: Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communications

b. Group Deputy Head: Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

c. Members: Secretary, Department of Energy
                Secretary,
Department of Public Works and Highways  (DPWH) Executive Secretary

                Presidential Adviser on Climate Change ( PACC)
                Secretary, Department of
Budget and Management (DBM)
                Secretary, Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG)
                Secretary, Department of Health
                Secretary,
Department of Finance
                Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry

                Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority
                Chief
Executive Officer and Commissioner, Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board
                Chairman, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
                Chairperson,
National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women
                Representatives from
the academe, and
                Representatives from the private sector.

The TGFF may form sub-Task Groups or Technical Working Groups
composed of representatives from government agencies concerned and
private sector or non-governmental organizations to perform specific
duties and assignments.

SECTION 3. Secretariat – A Secretariat composed of
representatives from the DOTC, the National Center for Transportation
Studies of the University of the Philippines and the Presidential
Adviser on Climate Change is hereby created to assist the Task Group.

SECTION 4. Functions of the TGFF – In addition to the
functions provided in EO 774, the TGFF shall initiate and pursue the
formulation of the National EST Strategy for the Philippines.

Specifically, the TGFF shall perform the following functions:

(a) Reform the transport sector to reduce the consumption of
fossil fuels. The new paradigm in the movement of men and things must
follow a simple principle: “Those who have less in wheels must have more
in road.” For this purpose, the system shall favor non-motorized
locomotion and collective transportation system (walking, bicycling, and
the man-powered mini-train).

(b) Through the DOTC and the DPWH, immediately transform roads using the aforesaid principle.

(c) Through Malacañan Palace and all Cabinet offices, bring down
by fifty percent (50%) the consumption of fossil fuels within two (2)
years from the issuance of EO 774.

(d) Review the conformity of existing Philippine laws and regulations with established standards and provisions of EST.

(e) Identify, classify and prioritize programs toward realizing EST in the Philippines.

(f) Identify and establish the institutional and technical infrastructure requirement to implement the National EST Strategy.

(g) Through the DILG, coordinate with local government units and
guide them on the plan to transfom the locomotion and transportation
system to favor parties who have no motorized vehicles, and facilitate
the mainstreaming of the National EST Strategy.

(h) Through the PACC, consult with the biggest consumers and
undertake extensive mass media social marketing and mobilization
campaigns to reduce consumption of fossil fuels, as well as consult and
coordinate with pertinent agencies and other bodies concerned concerning
EST related plans and programs.

(i) Through the Secretaries of the DOTC, DBM, and DPWH, report
to the President through the PACC every 48 hours on the progress of the
initiatives stated in this Section.

(j) Perform such other duties and functions which may be
necessary in the attainment of the objectives of the National EST
Strategy, and such other acts as may be necessary and proper to
implement this Order.

SECTION 5. Funding – To support the operations and
activities of the Task Group, the DBM shall immediately make available,
funds from the Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund of the Motor
Vehicle Users’ Charges and other such funding sources as may be
recommended by it.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause – All executive issuances,
orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Order are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity – This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Adopted: 30 Jan. 2009

(SGD.) GLORIA M. ARROYO
President of the Philippines  

BY THE PRESIDENT:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
       
Executive Secretary