EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 264 - ESTABLISHING THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE COUNCIL (ITECC) FROM THE MERGER OF THE NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL (NITC) AND THE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE PROMOTION COUNCIL (ECPC)

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the vital role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the continued revitalization of the Philippine economy, the competitiveness of local industries, and the achievement of national development goals;  

WHEREAS, electronic commerce, an ICT-driven activity, is revolutionizing global trade in both goods and services;

WHEREAS, the purpose of the State is to provide the policy and institutional environment to ensure the long-term and dynamic use, application and exploitation of ICT in the achievement of national goals;

WHEREAS, the State, while encouraging the widest participation from both the public and private sectors in national ICT and e-commerce initiatives, recognizes that the leadership and participation of the private sector will provide for the continuity of these initiatives;

WHEREAS, the National Information Technology Council (NITC) created pursuant to Executive Order No. 190, dated 19 July 1994, reorganized pursuant to Executive Order No. 469, dated 23 February 1998, and revitalized pursuant to Executive Order No. 125, dated 19 July 1999, was designated as the highest planning and policy advisory body on information technology matters;  

WHEREAS, the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council (ECPC), created pursuant to Executive Order 468, dated 23 February 1998, was tasked to coordinate and enhance government and private sector partnership in the promotion and development of electronic commerce in the country;

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to merge the NITC and the ECPC to ensure a streamlined and focused formulation and implementation of ICT policy. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested upon me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Merging of the National Information Technology Council and the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council. — The National Information Technology Council and the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council are hereby merged, and a new council is hereby established to be known as the Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Council (ITECC), hereinafter referred to as the Council. The Council shall be under the Office of the President. 

Sec. 2. Functions. — ITECC shall have the following functions:

a. Oversee the implementation and conduct periodic reviews and updating of the National Information Technology Action Agenda for the 21st Century (IT21), the Government Information Systems Plan (GISP), and their successor plans; 

b. Formulate a National Program and Strategy (NPS) for the promotion of E-Commerce in the country. The NPS for E-Commerce shall be consistent with IT21 and its successor plans;

c. Advise the President and Congress on policies and plans relative to the development, promotion, and application of ICT and E-Commerce consistent with IT21 and its successor plans; 

d. Harmonize and coordinate all ICT and e-commerce public initiatives, programs, and projects to ensure their consistency with the goals of IT21, GISP, NPS and their successor plans;

e. Promote strategic partnership and alliances among and between local and international ICT firms and institutions; R&D, educational and training institutions; and technology providers, developers and manufacturers, to speed up industry growth; 

f. Assess, review and provide direction and support for continuing research on various relevant aspects of ICT and E-Commerce, including the assessment of the progress and problems thereof;

g. Source necessary funds both from the private and public sectors to support the implementation of IT21, GISP, NPS, and their successor plans;

h. Create and maintain a national database on IT as part of the national statistical system; and

i. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the President.

Sec. 3. Membership. — The Council shall be composed of eight (8) members from government and seven (7) members from the private sector as follows:

Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry Chairman

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology     Co-Chair

Private Sector Representative   Co-Chair

Secretary, Socio-Economic Planning and   Member
Director General, National Economic
and Development Authority

Secretary, Department of Transportation   Member
and Communications/National
Telecommunications Commission

Secretary, Department of Budget and Management    Member

Secretary, Department of Education,    Member
Culture and Sports

Secretary, Department of the Interior and Member
Local Government

Managing Director, National Computer Center  Member

Six (6) other private sector representatives, Member
who shall represent the academe,
federations of private industries,
and consumer groups directly related to
ICT/e-commerce.