WHEREAS, under the Integrated Reorganization Plan, there is
created a Philippine Tourism Commission under the Department of Trade
and Tourism composed of the Commissioner of Tourism as Chairman, the
Undersecretaries of Trade and Tourism and Foreign Affairs as ex officio
members and six members who shall be appointed by the President from
among nominees of the following trade organizations: (a) Trade
organization of hotel entrepreneurs and restaurateurs; (b) Trade
organization of travel agencies and tour operators; (c) Trade
organization of land transportation operators; (d) Trade organization of
cottage industry producers and/or distributors; (e) Trade organization
of air carriers; and (f) Trade organization of sea carriers;
WHEREAS, this Commission shall not exercise adjudicative
functions but shall perform purely line activities to promote tourism at
the domestic and international levels;
WHEREAS, such functions can be more judiciously and
effectively exercised by a single-headed agency;
WHEREAS, the expertise available among representatives of
selected trade organizations is considered critical in the economical,
efficient and effective implementation of tourism activities; and
WHEREAS, such expertise can be availed of through direct
consultation with said representatives in planning and program
development for tourism;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, Commander-in-Chief
of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and pursuant to Proclamation
No. 1081, dated September 21, 1972, and General Order No. 1, dated
September 22, 1972, as amended, do hereby order and decree:
- The Philippine Tourism Commission is reorganized from a
multi-headed to a single-headed body. It shall be headed by a
Commissioner of Tourism who shall be appointed by the President of the
Philippines from among persons of proven executive competence and
experience in the field of tourism development, promotion or operation.
- The Philippine Tourism Commission shall be under the
direct line supervision of the Secretary of Trade and Tourism.
- An Advisory Body, to give advice and assistance to the
Philippine Tourism Commission, is created. It shall be composed of
representatives of the following trade organizations:
(1) hotels
(2) restaurants
(3) air carriers
(4) travel agencies and tour operators
(5) cottage industry producers and/or distributors
(6) sea carriers
(7) land transportation operators, and
(8) bankers' association who shall be entitled to such per diems and
allowances as may be authorized: Provided, That the
Commissioner of Tourism, with the approval of the Secretary of Trade and
Tourism, may designate representatives from other trade organizations
as may be considered necessary, in rendering advice and assistance to
the Philippine Tourism Commission, the members of this advisory body
shall be exempt from the pertinent provisions of the Anti-Graft and
Corrupt Practices Act.
- All functions of the Philippine Tourism Commission as contained
in the Integrated Reorganization Plan together with applicable
appropriations, records, equipment, property and such personnel as may
be necessary are transferred to the Philippine Tourism Commission as
organized under this Decree.
Done in the City of Manila, this 19th day of February, in the year
of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-three.