ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 111 - AUTHORIZING THE VICE PRESIDENT, CONCURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL, TO PERFORM ALL POWERS AND FUNCTIONS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE RESETTLEMENT AND RELOCATION PROGRAMS TO CLEAR THE RAIL RIGHTS-OF-WAY OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS LINES

WHEREAS, the rehabilitation and development of the PNR Lines are priority projects of the National Government envisioned to catalyze economic activity and enhance the mass transportation system in Metro Manila, including Northern and Southern Luzon;

WHEREAS, portions of the project sites and the necessary rights-of-way (ROW) for the rail system are currently occupied by informal settler families numbering to approximately 80,000 households;

WHEREAS, the implementation of priority rail projects cannot proceed in a significant way unless the ROW are cleared of informal settlers;

WHEREAS, there is a need to effectively and carefully manage, direct, coordinate, and monitor all efforts by the national and local governments to ensure the timely, peaceful and orderly relocation and resettlement of the families to be affected by the rail development projects; and

WHEREAS, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) is mandated by law to coordinate and monitor the activities of all government housing agencies to ensure the accomplishment of the goals of the National Shelter Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do here order:

Section 1. Lead Agency for the Implementation of the PNR Rail Systems Resettlement and Relocation Programs. The NHA shall serve as the lead agency in the implementation of Rail-Related Resettlement and Relocation Programs. It shall principally carry out, coordinate and monitor all government projects and activities necessary to ensure the timely, peaceful and orderly relocation and resettlement of the families to be affected by the development of the PNR Rail System.

Sec. 2. Role of the Vice President and HUDCC Chairman. The Vice President of the Philippines and HUDCC Chairman is hereby authorized to direct manage and coordinate all activities, mobilize available government resources, and call on the assistance of all government agencies concerned for the implementation of the Rail Related and Relocation Programs in Accordance with applicable laws.

Sec. 3. Cooperation and Support of Government Agencies. All departments, bureaus, offices and other government agencies and instrumentalities, including government owned and/or controlled corporations are hereby directed to extend full cooperation, support and assistance to the HUDCC and the Office of the Vice President regarding all matters and requests specifically related to and covered by this Order.

All concerned government agencies, particularly the Department of Budget and Management, shall, as their respective budgets may allow, give priority and immediate attention to the funding requirements necessary to perform all tasks and functions under the Approved Program and Activities.

Sec. 4. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Order is declared invalid, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain effective.

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. All orders, issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Administrative Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary