Sec. 3. Powers and Functions. — The Commission shall have the following powers and functions:

a) Ensure respect for Philippine laws, state policies, public morals, customs and traditions and strict compliance with the provisions of the VFA and the rules and regulations promulgated by the concerned Departments and Agencies.

b) Coordinate with the concerned Departments and Agencies for the issuance of the appropriate Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) for the VFA, providing clear guidelines on, among others:  

b.1 the entry and temporary stay of United States military and civilian personnel;

b.2 the entry and movement of United States military vessels, aircraft and vehicles;

b.3 the protection of public health;

b.4 the protection and preservation of the environment;

b.5 the disposition of military equipment and other provisions brought into the country by United States military and civilian personnel; and

b.6 the prosecution of offenses that may be committed during activities under the VFA;

c) Monitor, in coordination with the appropriate government and non-government agencies, the activities of foreign military and civilian personnel for the duration of activities held under the VFA;

d) Assess the environmental, social, and health impact of activities held under the VFA on the areas where they are held and to come up with recommendations designed to mitigate the impact of such activities;

e) Submit regular reports to the President that would contain an assessment of whether the VFA continues to serve, among others, the national security interest;

f) Organize and oversee local coordinating committees that will assist the Commission in the performance of its functions;

g) Coordinate with the Legislative Oversight Committee in ensuring that the implementation of the VFA continues to serve the national interest;

h) Recommend the passage of appropriate issuances and/or legislation necessary for the proper enforcement of the provisions of the VFA;

i) Enlist the assistance of any Branch, Department, Bureau, Office or Agency of the Government in the performance of the Commission’s duties;

j) Conduct continuing information and educational campaigns on the VFA;

k) Extend appropriate assistance to claimants for damage, loss, personal injury or death, caused by acts or omissions of US personnel or otherwise incidental to the non-combat activities of US forces; and  

l) Perform such other powers and functions as the President may direct.

Sec. 4. Control and Supervision. — The Commission shall be under the control and supervision of the President. The Commission shall report and be directly responsible to the President.

Sec. 5. Executive Director. — The Chairman of the Commission shall designate a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs as Executive Director of the Commission. The Executive Director shall report directly to the Chairman of the Commission. The Executive Director shall have direct operational and supervisory authority over personnel from the concerned government agencies who may from time to time be detailed to the Commission to provide technical and administrative support.

Sec. 6. Funding. — Subject to the usual auditing and accounting rules and regulations, the Commission shall be provided with an initial annual allocation of TWENTY MILLION PESOS (P20,000,000.00) to be drawn from the President’s Contingency Fund. Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be incorporated in the budget proposal for the Office of the President.

Sec. 7. Participation by Private Sector and Non-Government Organizations. — In the performance of its duties and responsibilities, the Commission shall encourage the participation of local private sector and non-government organizations based in the areas where activities in connection with the VFA will be held.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. — This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 17th day of January, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand.

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Since 19.07.98.