NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Signs Government Optimization Act To Streamline Bureaucracy, Protect Workers
Photo credit: PCO
In a move aimed at making the Philippine government more agile, responsive, and efficient, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12231, or the “Government Optimization Act.” The measure gives the President the authority to reorganize agencies under the executive branch—merging, downsizing, or abolishing those deemed redundant—while ensuring that the rights and welfare of affected government workers remain protected.
The landmark law was signed and published in the Official Gazette on Monday, just as the President departed for a five-day state visit to India. It is a priority legislation of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), reflecting the administration’s push to modernize governance and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
RA 12231 aims to “promote efficiency, equity, and ethical accountability” by streamlining public service delivery, minimizing overlaps in government functions, and encouraging digitalization and e-governance across agencies. It also supports shifting certain programs—especially those better handled by local governments or the private sector—away from national government oversight.
To implement these changes, the law establishes the Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch (COEB), which will be chaired by the Executive Secretary. The COEB will be tasked with evaluating current agency structures, mandates, and operations, and will recommend adjustments to ensure each office aligns with broader governance objectives.
Under the law, the President may approve the creation, merger, transfer, or deactivation of agencies and functions based on COEB recommendations. While the entire executive branch—including departments, bureaus, offices, and certain government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs)—falls under the law’s scope, teaching and teaching-related positions, as well as military and uniformed personnel, are excluded.
Constitutional offices such as the judiciary, legislature, Ombudsman, and local government units are not required to follow the law but may voluntarily adopt optimization measures.
By targeting redundancy and outdated practices while safeguarding employee welfare, the Government Optimization Act signals a more deliberate push toward a modern, performance-driven public service—one better equipped to meet the evolving needs of Filipinos.
The landmark law was signed and published in the Official Gazette on Monday, just as the President departed for a five-day state visit to India. It is a priority legislation of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), reflecting the administration’s push to modernize governance and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
RA 12231 aims to “promote efficiency, equity, and ethical accountability” by streamlining public service delivery, minimizing overlaps in government functions, and encouraging digitalization and e-governance across agencies. It also supports shifting certain programs—especially those better handled by local governments or the private sector—away from national government oversight.
To implement these changes, the law establishes the Committee on Optimizing the Executive Branch (COEB), which will be chaired by the Executive Secretary. The COEB will be tasked with evaluating current agency structures, mandates, and operations, and will recommend adjustments to ensure each office aligns with broader governance objectives.
Under the law, the President may approve the creation, merger, transfer, or deactivation of agencies and functions based on COEB recommendations. While the entire executive branch—including departments, bureaus, offices, and certain government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs)—falls under the law’s scope, teaching and teaching-related positions, as well as military and uniformed personnel, are excluded.
Constitutional offices such as the judiciary, legislature, Ombudsman, and local government units are not required to follow the law but may voluntarily adopt optimization measures.
By targeting redundancy and outdated practices while safeguarding employee welfare, the Government Optimization Act signals a more deliberate push toward a modern, performance-driven public service—one better equipped to meet the evolving needs of Filipinos.
Aug 5, 2025
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