ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 78 - CREATING A COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A FACT-FINDING INVESTIGATION OF THE 2003 REBELLION

WHEREAS, the rebellion of misguided military officers last July 27 is deplorable and must be met with the full force of the law, including their political component;  

WHEREAS, such actions signal an underlying problem that must be addressed.

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. There is hereby created a Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to investigate the roots of the rebellion and the provocations that inspired it.

The Commission shall be composed of the following:

Chairman : Retired Supreme Court Justice Florentino P. Feliciano
Members : Retired Supreme Court Justice Minerva Gonzaga Reyes
Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Professor Carolina G. Hernandez
Commodore Rex C. Robles (Ret.)
Capt. Rex Banjo Q. Bumanlag, PA

Sec. 2. The Commission is hereby granted the power of an investigating body under Sec. 37, Chapter 9, Book I of the Administrative Code of 1987 including the power to summon witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony or evidence relevant to the investigation, and to issue compulsory processes to produce documents, books records and such other matters, in the performance of its function. 

Any person who, without lawful excuse, fails to appear upon summons issued under the authority of the preceding paragraph or who, appearing before the Commission, refuses to take oath, give testimony or produce documents for inspection, when thereunto lawfully required, shall be subject to discipline as in the case of contempt of court upon application of the Commission before the proper court, in the manner provided for by law.

Sec. 3. The Commission is hereby authorized to engage the services of resource persons, professionals and other personnel which may be necessary to carry out its functions.

Sec. 4. The Office of the President shall establish a Special Secretariat for the technical and staff support of the Commission. For this purpose, the Executive Secretary is hereby authorized to detail any personnel from any government office to assist the Commission.

Sec. 5. The Commission is hereby authorized to deputize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and any other law enforcement agency to assist it in the performance of its functions.

Sec. 6. The departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities including government owned or controlled corporations are hereby directed to extend such assistance and cooperation as the Commission may need in the discharge of its functions.

Sec. 7. The Office of the President shall provide the necessary funds for the operations of the Commission.

Sec. 8. The Commission shall evaluate all the facts and circumstances surrounding the rebellion, its roots, and the provocations that inspired it, and submit its findings and recommendations to the President of the Philippines.  

Sec. 9. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 30th day of July, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and three.