PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has transferred the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) to the Department of National Defense (DND), in a bid to boost the country's capability to address potential threats.
Under Executive Order (EO) 78, inked by Duterte on March 15, the PADC has been placed under the administrative supervision of the DND to ensure the attainment of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 and maximize the national utility of the aviation and aerospace industry.
"The aerospace sector is one of the industry priorities under the PDP 2017-2022, in view of the emerging local industry and its capability to leverage on the competitive advantages of Philippine industries," EO 78 read.
"The attainment of the objectives of the PDP 2017-2022 requires the government to ensure the effective, efficient and economical management of operations of relevant agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the coordination of programs and policies," it added.
The PADC is created through Presidential Decree 286 signed in 1973 to maximize the national utility of the aviation and aerospace industry; engage in the design, manufacture and sale of all forms of aircraft and aerospace devices, equipment or contraptions; and develop local capabilities in the maintenance, repair and modification of aviation equipment.
In 1979, EO 546 was signed, attaching the PADC to the Department of Transportation, then the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
EO 78 emphasized that giving the DND the authority to supervise the PADC would help "address emerging internal and external threats, achieve self-reliance as regards defense equipment, and promote the transfer of technology from neighboring countries."
"The policies, programs, and activities of the PADC shall be coordinated with the DND," the order said. "This order shall take effect immediately."
Palace released a copy of EO 78 on Thursday, March 21. (SunStar Philippines)