MEMORANDUM FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
ALL HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES UNDER THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
SUBJECT:Â Â PROVIDING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS WHILE THE PRESIDENT IS OUT OF THE COUNTRY
DATE: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 17 SEPTEMBER 2010
The following instructions are hereby issued for the conduct of public affairs during the absence of the President from the Philippines in relation to the forthcoming official trip of the President to the United States.
1.     The President of the Philippines shall continue to exercise all the functions of his office as enjoined by the Constitution and the laws, in the same manner as when he is within the national territory. The Executive Secretary shall, as heretofore, sign all papers that are ordinarily signed by him by or under the authority of the President and shall decide routine matters.
2.     Each Department Secretary shall attend to and decide matters that pertain to his Department and which under the law he may decide. On those matters that require the approval of the President, in case urgent action is needed, such approval shall be obtained by the fastest and most convenient means of communications. On other Department matters which, although within the jurisdiction of a Department, are of such importance as to effect the general policies of the Government and, therefore, should be the subject of consultation with the President, the Secretary concerned may communicate for such purpose with the President by the fastest and most convenient means of communication.
3.     The Cabinet shall meet as may be necessary, which shall be called by the Executive Secretary. The Vice-President, or in his absence, the Executive Secretary, shall preside over the meetings. Matters which have heretofore been acted upon by the Cabinet shall continue to be considered and decided by the Cabinet; provided, however, that in the absence of unanimity of opinion on any important question or issue, no decision shall be taken until it shall have been submitted to the President for his consideration.
4.     All official communications to the President shall be transmitted through or by the Executive Secretary.
5.     The Vice-President shall represent the President in social functions requiring the presence of the latter and shall preside over official ceremonies, receive and return the official calls of foreign dignitaries in behalf and in representation of the President, and on such occasion the Vice-President shall be entitled to the honors and courtesies due the President of the Philippines.
These instructions shall be effective September 20, 2010, when the President shall have left the country until the President’s arrival from his official trip.
(Sgd.) Benigno S. Aquino III
