Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) 90, reorganizing the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to streamline and rationalize its functions consistent with the administration's rightsizing policy.

According to Philippines News Agency, EO 90, inked by Marcos on July 16, places the PLLO under the supervision and control of the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) as one of the delivery units of the Office of the President (OP) Proper. This reorganization abolishes the position of the Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs (PALA).

The executive order specifies that the PLLO will be headed by an Undersecretary, supported by two Assistant Secretaries, one for the Senate and one for the House of Representatives. The reorganization aims to enable the PLLO to more effectively and efficiently deliver the President's legislative agenda for the country.

The mandates of the PLLO's Administrative, Financial, and Management Division will now fall under the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration (ODESFA) and the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Support Services and Auxiliaries (ODESSSA). These offices are tasked with ensuring the proper turnover of records, properties, and resources of the PLLO to the OP Proper, in compliance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

EO 90 grants the Executive Secretary the authority to assess and evaluate the organizational structure, staffing pattern, and the qualification standards for all positions in the PLLO. The Executive Secretary may also implement personnel actions and reorganization measures, as well as define the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the PLLO.

Pending the approval of the new organizational structure and staffing pattern, the PLLO and its existing personnel will continue to operate and function under their current mandates. The order also outlines that funds necessary for the implementation will be sourced from the PLLO's budget, adhering to relevant budgeting, accounting, and auditing regulations. Future funding requirements will be included in the OP's budget proposal, following the usual budget preparation process.

The PLLO, established in 1987, was intended to promote presidential initiatives, act as a liaison between the OP and Congress, and monitor the progress of Administration bills. In 1998, Memorandum Order 3 created the PALA, with the rank of Secretary, to head the PLLO. In 2022, EO 11 placed the PLLO under the Office of the Special Assistant to the President to streamline the OP's administrative structure.

The recent directive follows the resignation of PLLO head and PALA Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza in May, amid efforts to recalibrate the Marcos administration. EO 90, which was made public on Friday, takes effect immediately.