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83 OG No. 31, 3528-138 Supp. (August 3, 1987)
[ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, July 25, 1987 ]
THE "ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987"
WHEREAS, the Administrative Code currently in force was first forged in 1917 when
the relationship between the people and the government was defined by the colonial
order then prevailing;
WHEREAS, efforts to achieve an integrative and over-all recodification of its

provisions resulted in the Administrative Code of 1978 which, however, was never
published and later expressly repealed;
WHEREAS, the effectiveness of the Government will be enhanced by a new

Administrative Code which incorporates in a unified document the major structural,
functional and procedural principles and rules of governance; and
WHEREAS, a new Administrative Code will be of optimum benefit to the people and
Government officers and employees as it embodies changes in administrative
structures and procedures designed to serve the people;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, by virtue

of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby promulgate the
Administrative Code of 1987, as follows:
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Administrative Code of 1987."
Section 2. General Terms Defined. - Unless the specific words of the text, or the
context as a whole, or a particular statute, shall require a different meaning:
(1) Government of the Republic of the Philippines - refers to the corporate

governmental entity through which the functions of government are exercised
throughout the Philippines, including, save as the contrary appears from the
context, the various arms through which political authority is made effective in the
Philippines, whether pertaining to the autonomous regions, the provincial, city,
municipal or barangay subdivisions or other forms of local government.
(2) National Government - refers to the entire machinery of the central government,
as distinguished from the different forms of local governments.
(3) Local Government - refers to the political subdivisions established by or in

accordance with the Constitution.
(4) Agency of the Government - refers to any of the various units of the
Government, including a department, bureau, office, instrumentality, or
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/5/53270 1/286
government-owned or controlled corporations, or a local government or a distinct

unit therein.
(5) National Agency - refers to a unit of the National Government.
(6) Local Agency - refers to a local government or a distinct unit therein.
(7) Department - refers to an executive department created by law. For purposes of

Book IV, this shall include any instrumentality, as herein defined, having or assigned
the rank of a department, regardless of its name or designation.
(8) Bureau - refers to any principal subdivision or unit of any department. For
purposes of Book IV, this shall include any principal subdivision or unit of any
instrumentality given or assigned the rank of a bureau, regardless of actual name or
designation, as in the case of department-wide regional offices.
(9) Office - refers, within the framework of governmental organization, to any

major functional unit of a department or bureau including regional offices. It may
also refer to any position held or occupied by individual persons, whose functions
are defined by law or regulation.
(10) Instrumentality - refers to any agency of the National Government, not

integrated within the department framework vested within special functions or
jurisdiction by law, endowed with some if not all corporate powers, administering
special funds, and enjoying operational autonomy, usually through a charter. This
term includes regulatory agencies, chartered institutions and government-owned or
controlled corporations.
(11) Regulatory agency - refers to any agency expressly vested with jurisdiction to
regulate, administer or adjudicate matters affecting substantial rights and interests
of private persons, the principal powers of which are exercised by a collective body,
such as a commission, board or council.
(12) Chartered institution - refers to any agency organized or operating under a

special charter, and vested by law with functions relating to specific constitutional
policies or objectives. This term includes the state universities and colleges and the
monetary authority of the State.
(13) Government-owned or controlled corporation - refers to any agency organized

as a stock or non-stock corporation, vested with functions relating to public needs
whether governmental or proprietary in nature, and owned by the Government
directly or through its instrumentalities either wholly, or, where applicable as in the
case of stock corporations, to the extent of at least fifty-one (51) per cent of its
capital stock: Provided, That government-owned or controlled corporations may be
further categorized by the Department of the Budget, the Civil Service Commission,
and the Commission on Audit for purposes of the exercise and discharge of their
respective powers, functions and responsibilities with respect to such corporations.
(14) "Officer" - as distinguished from "clerk" or "employee", refers to a person

whose duties, not being of a clerical or manual nature, involves the exercise of
discretion in the performance of the functions of the government. When used with
reference to a person having authority to do a particular act or perform a particular
function in the exercise of governmental power, "officer" includes any government

employee, agent or body having authority to do the act or exercise that function.
(15) "Employee", - when used with reference to a person in the public service,
includes any person in the service of the government or any of its agencies,
divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities.
BOOK I
SOVEREIGNTY AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 1 - The National Territory
Section 3. What Comprises National Territory. - The national territory comprises the
Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all
other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting
of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed,
the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around,
between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth
and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.
Section 4. Territorial Subdivision of the Philippines. - The territorial and political

subdivisions of the Philippines are the autonomous regions, provinces, subprovinces,
cities, municipalities and barangays.
CHAPTER 2 - The People
Section 5. Who are Citizens. - The following are the citizens of the Philippines:
(1) Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the
Constitution;
(2) Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
(3) Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect
Philippine citizenship, unless by the act or omission they are deemed, under
the law, to have renounced it.
(4) Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.
Section 6. Effect of Marriage. - Citizens of the Philippines who marry aliens shall
retain their citizenship, unless by their act or omission they are deemed, under the
law, to have renounced it.
Section 7. Natural-born Citizen. - Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens of
the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect
their Philippine citizenship. Those who elect Philippine citizenship in accordance with
the Constitution shall be deemed natural-born citizens.
Section 8. Loss or Reacquisition of Citizenship. - Philippine citizenship may be lost or

reacquired in the manner provided by law.
Section 9. Dual Allegiance. - Dual allegiance is inimical to the national interest and
shall be dealt with by law.
CHAPTER 3 -State Immunity From Suit
Section 10. Non-suability of the State. - No suit shall lie against the State except
with its consent as provided by law.
Section 11. The State's Responsibility for Acts of Agents. - (1) The State shall be
legally bound and responsible only through the acts performed in accordance with
the Constitution and the laws by its duly authorized representatives.
(2) The State shall not be bound by the mistakes or errors of its officers or agents in
the exercise of their functions.
CHAPTER 4 - National Symbols and Official Language
Section 12. National Flag. - (1) The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white and
blue, with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the people and
recognized by law.
(2) The custody, ceremonial use, occasion and manner of display, and the proper
care and disposition of the flag shall be governed by appropriate rules and
regulations.
Section 13. National Anthem. - Until otherwise provided by law, the musical
arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe is adopted as the national anthem. It
shall be sung or played upon the opening or start of all state celebrations or
gatherings and on such other occasions as may be prescribed by appropriate rules
and regulations.
Section 14. Arms and Great Seal of the Republic of the Philippines. - (1) The Arms
shall have paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent studded with
three mullets equidistant from each other; and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over
all the sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be a scroll with
the words "Republic of the Philippines, " or its equivalent in the national language,
inscribed thereon.
(2) The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as described in the
preceding paragraph, but without the scroll and the inscription thereon, and
surrounding the whole, a double marginal circle within which shall appear the words
"Republic of the Philippines," or its equivalent in the national language. For the
purpose of placing the Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be deemed
essential.
Section 15. Use and Custody of Great Seal. - The Great Seal shall be affixed to or
placed upon all commissions signed by the President and upon such other official
documents and papers of the Republic of the Philippines as may be required by
custom and usage. The President shall have custody of the Great Seal.
Section 16. Arms, Seals and Banners of Government Offices. - The various offices of
government may adopt appropriate coats-of-arms, seals and banners.
Section 17. Official Languages. - Until otherwise provided by law, Pilipino and
English shall be the official languages.
CHAPTER 5 - Operation and Effect of Laws
Section 18. When Laws Take Effect. - Laws shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper
of general circulation, unless it is otherwise provided.
Section 19. Prospectivity. - Laws shall have prospective effect unless the contrary is
expressly provided.
Section 20. Interpretation of Laws and Administrative Issuances. - In the

interpretation of a law or administrative issuance promulgated in all the official
languages, the English text shall control, unless otherwise specifically provided. In
case of ambiguity, omission or mistake, the other texts may be consulted.
Section 21. No Implied Revival of Repealed Law.- When a law which expressly
repeals a prior law itself repealed, the law first repealed shall not be thereby revived
unless expressly so provided.
Section 22. Revival of Law Impliedly Repealed. - When a law which impliedly repeals
a prior law is itself repealed, the prior law shall thereby be revived, unless the
repealing law provides otherwise.
Section 23. Ignorance of the Law. - Ignorance of the law excuses no one from
compliance therewith.
CHAPTER 6 - Official Gazette
Section 24. Contents. - There shall be published in the Official Gazette all legislative
acts and resolutions of a public nature; all executive and administrative issuances of
general application; decisions or abstracts of decisions of the Supreme Court and
the Court of Appeals, or other courts of similar rank, as may be deemed by said
courts of sufficient importance to be so published; such documents or classes of
documents as may be required so to be published by law; and such documents or
classes of documents as the President shall determine from time to time to have
general application or which he may authorize so to be published.
The publication of any law, resolution or other official documents in the Official
Gazette shall be prima facie evidence of its authority.
Section 25. Editing and Publications. - The Official Gazette shall be edited in the
Office of the President and published weekly in Pilipino or in the English language. It
shall be sold and distributed by the National Printing Office which shall promptly
mail copies thereof to subscribers free of postage.
CHAPTER 7 -Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days
Section 26. Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days. - 1. Unless otherwise
modified by law, order or proclamation, the following regular holidays and special
days shall be observed in this country:
(A) Regular Holidays

New Year's Day January 1
Maundy Thursday Movable date
Good Friday Movable date
Araw ng Kagitingan (Bataan and
April 9
Corregidor Day)
Labor Day May 1
Independence Day June 12
National Heroes Day Last Sunday of August
Bonifacio Day November 30
Christmas Day December 25
Rizal Day December 30
(B)Nationwide Special Days
All Saints Day November 1
Last Day of the Year December 31
(2) The terms "legal or regular holiday" and "special holiday", as used in laws,
orders, rules and regulations or other issuances shall be referred to as "regular
holiday" and "special day", respectively.
Section 27. Local Special Days. - The President may proclaim any local special day
for a particular date, group or place.
Section 28. Pretermission of Holiday. - Where the day, or the last day, for doing any
act required or permitted by law falls on a regular holiday or special day, the act
may be done on the next succeeding business day.
CHAPTER 8 - Legal Wieghts, measures and Period
Section 29. Official Use of Metric System. - The metric system of weights and
measures shall be used in the Philippines for all products, articles, goods,
commodities, materials, merchandise, utilities, services, as well as for commercial
transactions like contracts, agreements, deeds and other legal instruments publicly
and officially attested, and for all official documents. Only weights and measures of
the metric system shall be officially sealed and licensed.
Section 30. Mandatory Nation-wide Use. - The metric system shall be fully adopted
in all agricultural, commercial, industrial, scientific and other sectors. Persons or
entities allowed under existing laws to use the English system or other standards
and weights are given until the date to be fixed by the Metric System Board to adopt
the metric system.
Section 31. Legal Periods. - "Year" shall be understood to be twelve calendar

months; "month" of thirty days, unless it refers to a specific calendar month in
which case it shall be computed according to the number of days the specific month
contains; "day," to a day of twenty-four hours; and "night," from sunset to sunrise.
CHAPTER 9 - General Principles Governing Public Officers
Section 32. Nature of Public Office. - Public office is a public trust. Public officers and
employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with the
utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice,
and lead modest lives.
Section 33. Policy on Change of Citizenship. - Public officers and employees owe the
Senate and the Constitution allegiance at all times, and any public officer or
employee who seeks to change his citizenship or acquire the status of an immigrant
of another country during his tenure shall be dealt with by law.
Section 34. Declaration of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. - A public officer or
employee shall upon assumption of office and as often thereafter as may be
required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his assets, liabilities, and net
worth.
Section 35. Ethics in Government. - All public officers and employees shall be bound
by a Code of Ethics to be promulgated by the Civil Service Commission.
Section 36. Inhibition Against Purchase of Property at Tax Sale. - No officer or

employee of the government shall purchase directly or indirectly any property sold
by the government for the non-payment of any tax, fee or other public charge. Any
such purchase by an officer or employee shall be void.
Section 37. Powers Incidental to Taking of Testimony. - When authority to take

testimony or receive evidence is conferred upon any administrative officer or any
non-judicial person, committee, or other body, such authority shall include the
power to administer oaths, summon witnesses, and require the production of
documents by a subpoena duces tecum.
Section 38. Liability of Superior Officers. - (1) A public officer shall not be civilly
liable for acts done in the performance of his official duties, unless there is a clear
showing of bad faith, malice or gross negligence.
(2) Any public officer who, without just cause, neglects to perform a duty within a
period fixed by law or regulation, or within a reasonable period if none is fixed, shall
be liable for damages to the private party concerned without prejudice to such other
liability as may be prescribed by law.
(3) A head of a department or a superior officer shall not be civilly liable for the
wrongful acts, omissions of duty, negligence, or misfeasance of his subordinates,
unless he has actually authorized by written order the specific act or misconduct
complained of.
Section 39. Liability of Subordinate Officers. -No subordinate officer or employee

shall be civilly liable for acts done by him in good faith in the performance of his
duties. However, he shall be liable for willful or negligent acts done by him which are
contrary to law, morals, public policy and good customs even if he acted under
orders or instructions of his superiors.
CHAPTER 10 - Official Oaths
Section 40. Oaths of Office for Public Officers and Employees. - All public officers
and employees of the government including every member of the armed forces
shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, take an oath or affirmation
to uphold and defend the Constitution; that he will bear true faith and allegiance to
it; obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted
authorities; will well and faithfully discharge to the best of his ability the duties of
the office or position upon which he is about to enter; and that he voluntarily
assumes the obligation imposed by his oath of office, without mental reservation or
purpose of evasion. Copies of the oath shall be deposited with the Civil Service
Commission and the National Archives.
Section 41. Officers Authorized to Administer Oath. - (1) The following officers have
general authority to administer oath: Notaries public, members of the judiciary,
clerks of courts, the Secretary of the either House of the Congress of the Philippines,
of departments, bureau directors, registers of deeds, provincial governors and
lieutenant-governors, city mayors, municipal mayors and any other officer in the
service of the government of the Philippines whose appointment is vested in the
President.
(2) Oaths may also be administered by any officer whose duties, as defined by law
or regulation, require presentation to him of any statement under oath.
Section 42. Duty to Administer Oath. - Officers authorized to administer oaths, with
the exception of notaries public, municipal judges and clerks of court, are not
obliged to administer oaths or execute certificates save in matters of official
business; and with the exception of notaries public, the officer performing the
service in those matters shall charge no fee, unless specifically authorized by law.
CHAPTER 11 - Official Reports
Section 43. Annual Reports. - The heads of the several branches, subdivisions,
department and agencies or instrumentalities of the Government shall prepare and
submit annual reports to the President on or before the first day of July 1 of each
year.
Section 44. Contents of Reports. - The contents of the annual reports shall be
prescribed by law or, in the absence thereof, by executive order.
Section 45. Special Reports. - Each chief of Bureau or other officer of the
government shall make such special reports concerning the work of his Bureau or
Office as may from time to time be required of him by the President of the
Philippines or Head of Department.
Section 46. Deposit with Archives. - Official copies of annual reports shall be
deposited with the National Archives and shall be open to public inspection.
CHAPTER 12 - Public Contracts and Conveyances
Section 47. Contracts and Conveyances. - Contracts or conveyances may be

executed for and in behalf of the Government or of any of its branches, subdivisions,
agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled
corporations, whenever demanded by the exigency or exigencies of the service and
as long as the same are not prohibited by law.
Section 48. Official Authorized to Convey Real Property. - Whenever real property of
the Government is authorized by law to be conveyed, the deed of conveyance shall
be executed in behalf of the government by the following:
(1) For property belonging to and titled in the name of the Republic of the
Philippines, by the President, unless the authority therefor is expressly vested
by law in another officer.
(2) For property belonging to the Republic of the Philippines but titled in the
name of any political subdivision or of any corporate agency or instrumentality,
by the executive head of the agency or instrumentality.
Section 49. Authority to Convey other Property. - Whenever property other than real
is authorized to be conveyed, the contract or deed shall be executed by the head of
the agency with the approval of the department head. Where the operations of the
agency regularly involve the sale or other disposition of personal property, the deed
shall be executed by any officer or employee expressly authorized for that purpose.
Section 50. Conveyance of National Government Property to Local Governments. -

When the real property belonging to the National Government is needed for school
purposes, or other official use by any local government, the President shall authorize
its transfer, and the department head or other authority concerned shall execute in
favor of the local government the necessary deed of conveyance by way of gift, sale,
exchange, or otherwise, and upon such terms as shall be for the interest of the
parties concerned. Nothing herein provided shall be deemed to authorize the
conveyance of unreserved public land, friar land or any real property held by the
Government in trust or for a special purpose defined by law.
Section 51. Execution of Contracts. - (1) Contracts in behalf of the Republic of the
Philippines shall be executed by the President unless authority therefor is expressly
vested by law or by him in any other public officer.
(2) Contracts in behalf of the political subdivisions and corporate agencies or

instrumentalities shall be approved by their respective governing boards or councils
and executed by their respective executive heads.
BOOK II
DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS OF GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 1 - Basic Principles and Policies
Section 1. Guiding Principles and Policies in Government. - Governmental power

shall be exercised in accordance with the following basic principles and policies:
(1) The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the
people and all government authority emanates from them.
(2) The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect
for human rights.
(3) Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.
(4) The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.
(5) The territorial and political subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines are the
provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. There shall be autonomous regions,
in accordance with the Constitution, in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras as may
be provided by law.
(6) The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.
(7) The right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable
participation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall not
be abridged. The State shall, by law, facilitate the establishment of adequate
consultation mechanisms.
(8) The powers expressly vested in any branch of the Government shall not be
exercised by, nor delegated to, any other branch of the Government, except to the
extent authorized by the Constitution.
CHAPTER 2 - Legislaive Power
Section 2. Seat of Legislative Power. - The legislative power shall be vested in the
Congress of the Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of
Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people by the Constitutional
provision on initiative and referendum.
Section 3. Inhibitions Against Members of Congress. - (1) No Senator or Member of

the House of Representatives may hold any other office or employment in the
Government, or any subdivision agency, or instrumentality thereof, including
government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries, during his term
without forfeiting his seat. Neither shall he be appointed to any office which may
have been created or the emoluments thereof increased during the term for which
he was elected.
(2) No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may personally appear

as counsel before any court of justice or before the Electoral Tribunals, or quasi-
judicial and other administrative bodies. Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be
interested financially in any contract with, or in any franchise or special privilege
granted by the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof
including any government-owned or controlled corporation, or its subsidiary, during
his term of office. He shall not intervene in any matter before any office of the
Government for his pecuniary benefit or where he may be called upon to act on
account of his office.
Section 4. Electoral Tribunal. - The Senate and the House of Representatives shall
each have an Electoral Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests relating
to the election, returns, and qualifications of their respective Members. Each
Electoral Tribunal shall be composed of nine (9) Members, three (3) of whom shall
be Justices of the Supreme Court to be designated by the Chief Justice, and the
remaining six (6) shall be Members of the Senate or the House of Representatives,
as the case may be, who shall be chosen on the basis of proportional representation
from the political parties and the parties or organizations registered under the party-
list system represented therein. The senior Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be
its Chairman.
Section 5. Commission on Appointments. - There shall be a Commission on

Appointments consisting of the President of the Senate, as ex officio Chairman, and
twelve (12) Senators and twelve (12) Members of the House of Representatives,
elected by each House on the basis of proportional representation from the political
parties and parties or organizations registered under the party-list system
represented therein. The Chairman of the Commission shall not vote, except in case
of a tie. The Commission shall act on all appointments submitted to it within thirty
(30) session days of the Congress from their submission. The Commission shall rule
by a majority vote of all its Members.
Section 6. Legislative Investigation. - The Senate or the House of Representatives or

any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in
accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons
appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.
Section 7. Appearance of Heads of Departments. - The heads of departments may

upon their own initiative, with the consent of the President, or upon the request of
either House, as the rules of each House shall provide, appear before and be heard
by such House on any matter pertaining to their departments. Written questions
shall be submitted to the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives at least three (3) days before their scheduled appearance.
Interpellations shall not be limited to written questions, but may cover matters
related thereto. When the security of the State or the public interest so requires and
the President so states in writing, the appearance shall be conducted in executive
session.
Section 8. Initiative and Referendum. - The Congress shall, as early as possible,

provide for a system of initiative and referendum and the exceptions therefrom,
whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act
or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body after the
registration of a petition therefor signed by at least ten (10) per centum of the total
number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented
by at least three (3) per centum of the registered voters thereof.
Section 9. Power to Propose Constitutional Amendments. - (1) Any amendment to,

or revision of the Constitution may be proposed by: (a) The Congress, upon a vote
of three-fourths (3/4) of all its Members; or (b) a constitutional convention. The
Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all its Members, call a constitutional
convention, or by a majority vote of all its Members, submit to the electorate the
question of calling such a convention.
(2) Amendments to the Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the

people through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve (12) per centum of the
total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be
represented by at least three (3) per centum of the registered voters therein. No
amendments under this paragraph shall be authorized within five years following the
ratification of the 1987 Constitution nor oftener than once every five years
thereafter. The Congress shall provide for the implementation of the exercise of this
right.
Section 10. Validity of Constitutional Amendments. - (1) Any amendment to or

revision of the Constitution proposed by Congress or a constitutional convention
shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall
be held not earlier than sixty days (60) nor later than ninety days (90) after the
approval of such amendment or revision.
(2) Any amendment to or revision of the Constitution directly proposed by the

people through initiative shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast
in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days (60) nor later than
ninety days (90) after the certification by the Commission on Elections of the
sufficiency of the petition.
CHAPTER 3 - Executive Power
Section 11. Exercise of Executive Power. - The Executive power shall be vested in
the President.
Section 12. The Vice-President. - There shall be a Vice-President who shall have the
same qualifications and term of office and be elected with and in the same manner
as the President. He may be removed from office in the same manner as the
President.
The Vice-President may be appointed as a Member of the Cabinet. Such

appointment requires no confirmation.
Section 13. Vacancy in Office of the President. - In case of death, permanent

disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice-President
shall become the President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death,
permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of both the President and
Vice-President, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, shall then act as President until the President or Vice-
President shall have been elected and qualified.
The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case of death,
permanent disability, or resignation of the Acting President. He shall serve until the
President or Vice-President shall have been elected and qualified, and be subject to
the same restrictions of powers and disqualifications as the Acting President.
Section 14. Vacancy in Office of the Vice-President. - Whenever there is a vacancy in

the Office of the Vice-President during the term for which he was elected, the
President shall nominate a Vice-President from among the Members of the Senate
and the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon confirmation by a
majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.
Section 15. Inhibitions Against Executive Officials. - The President, Vice-President,

the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless
otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment during
their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure, directly or indirectly practice any
other profession, participate in any business, or be financially interested in any
contract with, or in any franchise, or special privilege granted by the Government or
any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or
controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. They shall strictly avoid conflicts of

interest in the conduct of their office.
The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree of
the President shall not during his tenure be appointed as Members of the
Constitutional Commissions, or the Office of the Ombudsman, or as Secretaries,
Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices, including government-
owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
CHAPTER 4 - Judicial Power
Section 16. Judicial Power. - The judicial power shall be vested in one (1) Supreme
Court, and in such lower courts as may be established by law. Such lower courts
include the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial
Courts, Shari's District Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, and Shari'a Circuit Courts and they shall continue to
exercise their respective jurisdiction until otherwise provided by law.
Judicial power includes the duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies
involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and, in cases
prescribed by law, to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of
discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or
instrumentality of the Government.
Section 17. Composition of the Supreme Court. - The Supreme Court shall be
composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate Justices. It may sit en banc or in
its discretion, in divisions of three, five or seven Members.
Section 18. Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court. - The Supreme Court shall
have the following powers:
(1) Exercise original jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other public
ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo
warranto, and habeas corpus.
(2) Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm on appeal or certiorari as the law or
the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and orders of lower courts in:
(a) All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or
executive agreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction,
ordinance, or regulation is in question.
(b) All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any
penalty imposed in relation thereto.
(c) All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue.
(d) All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or higher.
(e) All cases in which only an error or question of law is involved.
(3) Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest
may require. Such temporary assignment shall not exceed six (6) months without
the consent of the judge concerned.
(4) Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice.
(5) Promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional

rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice
of law, the Integrated Bar, and legal assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules
shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition of
cases, shall be uniform for all courts of the same grade; and shall not diminish,
increase, or modify substantive rights. Rules of procedure of special courts and
quasi-judicial bodies shall remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme
Court.
(6) Appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil
Service law.
Section 19. Apportionment of Jurisdiction. - Congress shall define, prescribe and
apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts but may not deprive the Supreme
Court of its jurisdiction enumerated in the immediately preceding section. Neither
shall a law be passed increasing its appellate jurisdiction as therein specified without
its advice and concurrence.
No law shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it undermines the security of
tenure of its Members.
Section 20. Administrative Supervision.- The Supreme Court shall have

administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel thereof.
Section 21. Judicial and Bar Council. - (1) A Judicial and Bar Council is hereby
created under the supervision of the Supreme Court composed of the Chief Justice
as ex officio Chairman, the Secretary of Justice, and a representative of the
Congress as ex officio Member, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of
law, a retired Member of the Supreme Court, and a representative of the private
sector.
(2) The regular members of the Council shall be appointed by the President for a
term of four (4) years with the consent of the Commission of Appointments. Of the
Members first appointed, the representative of the Integrated Bar shall serve for
four (4) years, the professor of law for three (3) years, the retired Justice for two
(2) years, and the representative of the private sector for one (1) year.
(3) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be the Secretary ex officio of the Council
and shall keep a record of its proceedings.
(4) The regular Members of the Council shall receive such emoluments as may be
determined by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court shall provide in its annual
budget the appropriations for the Council.
(5) The Council shall have the principal function of recommending appointees to the
Judiciary. It may exercise such other functions and duties as the Supreme Court
may assign to it.
Section 22. Appointment of Members of Judiciary. - The Members of the Supreme

Court and judges of lower courts shall be appointed by the President from a list of at
least three (3) nominees prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council for every vacancy.
Such appointments need no confirmation.
For the lower courts, the President shall issue the appointments within ninety (90)
days from the submission of the list.
Section 23. Prohibition Against Performing Quasi-Judicial or Administrative

Functions. - The Members of the Supreme Court and of other courts established by
law shall not be designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or
administrative functions.
CHAPTER 5 - Constitutional Commissions
Section 24. Constitutional Commissions. - The Constitutional Commissions, which

shall be independent, are the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on
Elections, and the Commission on Audit.
Section 25. Inhibitions Against Constitutional Commissioners. - No member of a

Constitutional Commission shall, during his tenure, hold any other office or
employment. Neither shall he engage in the practice of any profession or in the
active management or control of any business which in anyway may be affected by
the functions of his office, nor shall he be financially interested, directly or indirectly,
in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted by the Government,
any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned
or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.
Section 26. Fiscal Autonomy. - The Constitutional Commissions shall enjoy fiscal
autonomy. The approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly
released.
Section 27. Promulgation of Rules. - Each Commission en banc may promulgate its
own rules concerning pleadings and practice before it or before any of its offices.
Such rules however shall not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights.
Section 28. Decisions by the Constitutional Commissions.- Each Commission shall

decide, by a majority vote of all its Members, any case or matter brought before it
within sixty (60) days from the date of its submission for decision or resolution. A
case or matter is deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the filing of the
last pleading, brief, or memorandum required by the rules of the Commission or by
the Commission itself. Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution or by law, any
decision, order, or ruling of each Commission may be brought to the Supreme Court
on certiorari by the aggrieved party within thirty (30) days from receipt of a copy
thereof.
CHAPTER 6 -Other Bodies
Section 29. Other Bodies. - There shall be in accordance with the Constitution, an
Office of the Ombudsman, a Commission on Human Rights, an independent central
monetary authority, and a national police commission. Likewise, as provided in the
Constitution, Congress may establish an independent economic and planning
agency.
BOOK III
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Title I - POWERS OF THE PRESIDENT
CHAPTER 1 - Power of Control
Section 1. Power of Control. - The President shall have control of all the executive
departments, bureaus, and offices. He shall ensure that the laws be faithfully
executed.
CHAPTER 2 - Ordinance Power
Section 2. Executive Orders. - Acts of the President providing for rules of a general
or permanent character in implementation or execution of constitutional or statutory
powers shall be promulgated in executive orders.
Section 3. Administrative Orders. - Acts of the President which relate to particular

aspect of governmental operations in pursuance of his duties as administrative head
shall be promulgated in administrative orders.
Section 4. Proclamations. - Acts of the President fixing a date or declaring a status

or condition of public moment or interest, upon the existence of which the operation
of a specific law or regulation is made to depend, shall be promulgated in
proclamations which shall have the force of an executive order.
Section 5. Memorandum Orders. - Acts of the President on matters of administrative

detail or of subordinate or temporary interest which only concern a particular officer
or office of the Government shall be embodied in memorandum orders.
Section 6. Memorandum Circulars. - Acts of the President on matters relating to

internal administration, which the President desires to bring to the attention of all or
some of the departments, agencies, bureaus or offices of the Government, for
information or compliance, shall be embodied in memorandum circulars.
Section 7. General or Special Orders. - Acts and commands of the President in his
capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be
issued as general or special orders.
CHAPTER 3 - Power Over Aliens
Section 8. Power to Deport. - The President shall have the power to deport aliens
subject to the requirements of due process.
Section 9. Power to Change Non-Immigrant Status of Aliens. - The President,

subject to the provisions of law, shall have the power to change the status of non-
immigrants by allowing them to acquire permanent residence status without
necessity of visa.
Section 10. Power to Countermand Decisions of the Board of Commissioners of the

Bureau of Immigration. - The decision of the Board of Commissioners which has
jurisdiction over all deportation cases shall become final and executory after thirty
(30) days from promulgation, unless within such period the President shall order the
contrary.
Section 11. Power over Aliens under the General Principles of International Law. -
The President shall exercise with respect to aliens in the Philippines such powers as
are recognized by the generally accepted principles of international law.
CHAPTER 4 - Powers of Eminent Domain, Escheat, Land Reservation and Recocery of

III Gotten Wealth
Section 12. Power of Eminent Domain. - The President shall determine when it is
necessary or advantageous to exercise the power of eminent domain in behalf of the
National Government, and direct the Solicitor General, whenever he deems the
action advisable, to institute expropriation proceedings in the proper court.
Section 13. Power to Direct Escheat or Reversion Proceedings. - The President shall
direct the Solicitor General to institute escheat or reversion proceedings over all
lands transferred or assigned to persons disqualified under the Constitution to
acquire land.
Section 14. Power to Reserve Lands of the Public and Private Domain of the
Government. - (1) The President shall have the power to reserve for settlement or
public use, and for specific public purposes, any of the lands of the public domain,
the use of which is not otherwise directed by law. The reserved land shall thereafter
remain subject to the specific public purpose indicated until otherwise provided by
law or proclamation;
(2) He shall also have the power to reserve from sale or other disposition and for
specific public uses or purposes, any land belonging to the private domain of the
Government, or any of the Friar Lands, the use of which is not otherwise directed by
law, and thereafter such land shall be used for the purposes specified by such
proclamation until otherwise provided by law.
Section 15. Power over Ill-gotten Wealth. - The President shall direct the Solicitor
General to institute proceedings to recover properties unlawfully acquired by public
officials or employees, from them or from their nominees or transferees.
Within the period fixed in, or any extension thereof authorized by, the Constitution,
the President shall have the authority to recover ill-gotten properties amassed by
the leaders and supporters of the previous regime and protect the interest of the
people through orders of sequestration or freezing of assets or accounts.
CHAPTER 5 - Power of Appointment
Section 16. Power of Appointment. - The President shall exercise the power to
appoint such officials as provided for in the Constitution and laws.
Section 17. Power to Issue Temporary Designation. - (1) The President may
temporarily designate an officer already in the government service or any other
competent person to perform the functions of an office in the executive branch,

appointment to which is vested in him by law, when: (a) the officer regularly
appointed to the office is unable to perform his duties by reason of illness, absence
or any other cause; or (b) there exists a vacancy;
(2) The person designated shall receive the compensation attached to the position,
unless he is already in the government service in which case he shall receive only
such additional compensation as, with his existing salary, shall not exceed the salary
authorized by law for the position filled. The compensation hereby authorized shall
be paid out of the funds appropriated for the office or agency concerned.
(3) In no case shall a temporary designation exceed one (1) year.
CHAPTER 6 - General Supervision over Local Governments
Section 18. General Supervision Over Local Governments. - The President shall
exercise general supervision over local governments.
CHAPTER 7 - Other Powers
Section 19. Powers Under the Constitution. - The President shall exercise such other
powers as are provided for in the Constitution.
Section 20. Residual Powers. - Unless Congress provides otherwise, the President
shall exercise such other powers and functions vested in the President which are
provided for under the laws and which are not specifically enumerated above, or
which are not delegated by the President in accordance with law.
Title II - ORGANIZATION
CHAPTER 8 - Organization of the Office of the President
Section 21. Organization. - The Office of the President shall consist of the Office of
the President Proper and the agencies under it.
Section 22. Office of the President Proper. - (1) The Office of the President Proper
shall consist of the Private Office, the Executive Office, the Common Staff Support
System, and the Presidential Special Assistants/Advisers System;
(2) The Executive Office- refers to the Offices of the Executive Secretary, Deputy
Executive Secretaries and Assistant Executive Secretaries;
(3) The Common Staff Support System embraces the offices or units under the
general categories of development and management, general government
administration and internal administration; and
(4) The President Special Assistants/Advisers System includes such special

assistants or advisers as may be needed by the President.
Section 23. The Agencies under the Office of the President. - The agencies under the
Office of the President refer to those offices placed under the chairmanship of the
President, those under the supervision and control of the President, those under the
administrative supervision of the Office of the President, those attached to it for
policy and program coordination, and those that are not placed by law or order
creating them under any specific department.
Title III - FUNCTIONS
CHAPTER 9 - Functions of the Different Offices in the Offices in the Office of the
President Proper
A - PRIVATE OFFICE
Section 24. Functions of the Private Office. - The Private Office shall provide direct
services to the President and shall for this purpose attend to functions and matters
that are personal or which pertain to the First Family.
B - THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Section 25. Declaration of Policy. - The Executive Office shall be fully responsive to
the specific needs and requirements of the President to achieve the purposes and
objectives of the Office.
Section 26. The Executive Secretary, the Deputy Executive Secretaries, and the
Assistant Executive Secretaries. - The Executive Office shall be headed by the
Executive Secretary who shall be assisted by one (1) or more Deputy Executive
Secretaries and one (1) or more Assistant Executive Secretaries.
Section 27. Functions of the Executive Secretary. - The Executive Secretary shall,
subject to the control and supervision of the President, carry out the functions
assigned by law to the Executive Office and shall perform such other duties as may
be delegated to him. He shall:
(1) Directly assist the President in the management of the affairs pertaining to
the Government of the Republic of the Philippines;
(2) Implement presidential directives, orders and decisions;
(3) Decide, for and in behalf of the President, matters not requiring personal
presidential attention;
(4) Exercise supervision and control over the various units in the Office of the
President Proper
including their internal administrative requirements;
(5) Exercise supervision, in behalf of the President, over the various agencies
under the Office of the President;
(6) Appoint officials and employees of the Office of the President whose
appointments are not vested in the President;
(7) Provide overall coordination in the operation of the Executive Office;
(8) Determine and assign matters to the appropriate units in the Office of the
President;
(9) Have administrative responsibility for matters in the Office of the President
coming from the various departments and agencies of government;
(10) Exercise primary authority to sign papers "By authority of the President",
attest executive orders and other presidential issuances unless attestation is
specifically delegated to other officials by him or by the President;
(11) Determine, with the President's approval, the appropriate assignment of

offices and agencies not placed by law under any specific executive
department;
(12) Provide consultative, research, fact-finding and advisory service to the

President;
(13) Assist the President in the performance of functions pertaining to

legislation;
(14) Assist the President in the administration of special projects;
(15) Take charge of matters pertaining to protocol in State and ceremonial

functions;
(16) Provide secretarial and clerical services for the President, the Cabinet, the
Council of State, and other advisory bodies to the President
(17) Promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the
objectives, policies and functions of the Office of the President Proper;
1. Perform such other functions as the President may direct.
C - COMMON STAFF SUPPORT SYSTEM
Section 28. Functions of the Common Staff Support System. - The various staff
units in the Office of the President Proper shall form a common staff support system
and shall be organized along the various tasks of the Office namely:
(1) The Cabinet Secretariat which shall assist the President in the establishment of
agenda topics for the Cabinet deliberation, or facilitate the discussion of cabinet
meetings. It shall have such organization, powers and functions as are prescribed by
law;
(2) The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) which shall be the primary
governmental agency directly responsible to the Office of the President for providing
staff assistance in the Presidential exercise of overall management of the
development process. It shall have such organization, powers and functions as are
prescribed by law;
(3) General Government Administration Staff which shall provide the President with
staff support on matters concerning general government administration relative to
the operations of the national government including the provision of legal services,
administrative services, staff work on political and legislative matters, information
and assistance to the general public, measures toward resolution of complaints

against public officials and employees brought to the attention of the Office of the
President and such other matters as the President may assign;
(4) Internal Administrative Staff which shall render auxiliary and support services
for the internal administration of the Office of the President.
D - PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT/ADVISERS SYSTEM
Section 29. Functions of Presidential Assistants/Advisers Systems. - The Special

Assistants/Advisers System shall provide advisory or consultative services to the
President in such fields and under such conditions as the President may determine.
CHAPTER 10 - Functions of the Agencies Under the Office of the President
Section 30. Functions of Agencies Under the Office of the President. - Agencies
under the Office of the President shall continue to operate and function in
accordance with their respective charters or laws creating them, except as otherwise
provided in this Code or by law.
Section 31. Continuing Authority of the President to Reorganize his Office. - The
President, subject to the policy in the Executive Office and in order to achieve
simplicity, economy and efficiency, shall have continuing authority to reorganize the
administrative structure of the Office of the President. For this purpose, he may take
any of the following actions:
(1) Restructure the internal organization of the Office of the President Proper,
including the immediate Offices, the Presidential Special Assistants/Advisers System
and the Common staff Support System, by abolishing, consolidating or merging
units thereof or transferring functions from one unit to another;
(2) Transfer any function under the Office of the President to any other Department
or Agency as well as transfer functions to the Office of the President from other
Departments and Agencies; and
(3) Transfer any agency under the Office of the President to any other department
or agency as well as transfer agencies to the Office of the President from other
departments or agencies.
BOOK IV
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
CHAPTER 1 - The Departments
Section 1. Purpose and Number of Departments. - The Executive Branch shall have
such Departments as are necessary for the functional distribution of the work of the
President and for the performance of their functions.
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - (1) The Departments shall be organized and

maintained to insure their capacity to plan and implement programs in accordance
with established national policies;
(2) Bureaus and offices shall be grouped primarily on the basis of major functions to
achieve simplicity, economy and efficiency in government operations and minimize
duplication and overlapping of activities; and
(3) The functions of the different Departments shall be decentralized in order to

reduce red tape, free central officials from administrative details concerning field
operations, and relieve them from unnecessary involvement in routine and local
matters. Adequate authority shall be delegated to subordinate officials.
Administrative decisions and actions shall, as much as feasible, be at the level
closest to the public.
Section 3. Department Proper. - (1) Unless otherwise provided in this Code or by

law, the Department proper shall include the Office of the Secretary and the staff
consist of the Secretary and the Undersecretary or Undersecretaries, together with
the personnel in their immediate offices;
(2) Every Secretary shall be assisted by such number of Undersecretaries as may be
provided for by this Code or by law;
The Undersecretary shall perform the functions as provided in Chapter 2 of this

Book;
(3) Whenever necessary, Assistant Secretary position or positions may be created to

form part of the Department proper; and
(4) In the absence of special provisions, the major staff units of each department
shall be the services which shall include: the Planning Service, the Financial and
Management Service, the Administrative Service, and when necessary, the Technical
and Legal Services.
Section 4. Jurisdiction over Bureaus, Offices, Regulatory Agencies and Government

Corporations. - Each Department shall have jurisdiction over bureaus, offices,
regulatory agencies, and government-owned or controlled corporations assigned to
it by law, in accordance with the applicable relationship as defined in Chapter 7, 8,
and 9 of this Book.
Section 5. Assignment of Offices and Agencies. - The President shall, by executive

order, assign offices and agencies not otherwise assigned by law to any department,
or indicate to which department a government corporation or board may be
attached.
CHAPTER 2 - Secretaries, Undersecritaries, and Assistant Secretaries
Section 6. Authority and Responsibility of the Secretary. - The authority and

responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the
discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary, who shall
have supervision and control of the Department.
Section 7. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. - The Secretary shall:

(1) Advise the President in issuing executive orders, regulations, proclamations and
other issuances, the promulgation of which is expressly vested by law in the
President relative to matters under the jurisdiction of the Department;
(2) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department
pursuant to the approved programs of governments;
(3) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out department objectives,
policies, functions, plans, programs and projects;
(4) Promulgate administrative issuances necessary for the efficient administration of

the offices under the Secretary and for proper execution of the laws relative thereto.
These issuances shall not prescribe penalties for their violation, except when
expressly authorized by law;
(5) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees under the Secretary in
accordance with law, including their investigation and the designation of a
committee or officer to conduct such investigation;
(6) Appoint all officers and employees of the Department except those whose
appointments are vested in the President or in some other appointing authority;
Provided, however, that where the Department is regionalized on a department-wide
basis, the Secretary shall appoint employees to positions in the second level in the
regional offices as defined in this Code;
(7) Exercise jurisdiction over all bureaus, offices, agencies and corporations under
the Department as are provided by law, and in accordance with the applicable
relationships as specified in Chapters 7, 8, and 9 of this Book;
(8) Delegate authority to officers and employees under the Secretary's direction in
accordance with this Code; and
(9) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Section 8. Submission of Performance Evaluation Reports. - The Secretary shall

formulate and enforce a system of measuring and evaluating periodically and
objectively the performance of the Department and submit the same annually to the
President.
Section 9. Submission of Budget Estimates. - The Secretary shall prepare and

submit to the President through the Department of Budget and Management an
estimate of the necessary expenditures of the department during the next fiscal
year, on the basis of the reports and estimates submitted by bureaus and officers
under him.
Section 10. Powers and Duties of the Undersecretary. - The Undersecretary shall:
(1) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of
department objectives and policies;
(2) Oversee all the operational activities of the department for which he shall be
responsible to the Secretary;
(3) Coordinate the programs and projects of the department and be responsible for
its economical, efficient and effective administration;
(4) Serve as deputy to the Secretary in all matters relating to the operations of the
department;
(5) Temporarily discharge the duties of the Secretary in the latter's absence or
inability to discharge his duties for any cause or in case of vacancy of the said office,
unless otherwise provided by law. Where there are more than one Undersecretary,
the Secretary shall allocate the foregoing powers and duties among them. The
President shall likewise make the temporary designation of Acting Secretary from
among them; and
(6) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law.
Section 11. Duties and Functions of the Assistant Secretary. - The Assistant
Secretary shall perform such duties and functions as may be provided by law or
assigned to him by the Secretary.
CHAPTER 3 - Department Services
Section 12. Department Services. - Except as otherwise provided by law, each

Department shall have Department Services which shall include the Planning
Service, the Financial and Management Service, the Administrative Service, and
whenever necessary the Technical and Legal Services.
Section 13. Planning Service. - The Planning Service shall provide the department
with economical, efficient and effective services relating to planning, programming,
and project development, and discharge such other functions as may be provided by
law. Where the work of the department does not call for substantial planning and
programming, the Planning Service shall be constituted as a single unit without
subdivisions. Where substantial primary data-gathering is essential to the operations
of the department, a statistical unit may be constituted as part of a technical
service.
Section 14. Financial and Management Services. - The Financial and Management
Services shall advise and assist the Secretary on financial and management matters
and shall perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Section 15. Administrative Service. - The Administrative Service shall provide the
Department with economical, efficient and effective services relating to personnel,
legal assistance, information, records, delivery and receipt of correspondence,
supplies, equipment, collections, disbursement, security and custodial work. It shall
also perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Section 16. Technical Service. - Whenever necessary, one or more technical services
shall be established to take charge of technical staff activities essential to a
department and which cannot be allocated to the three other services or to the
bureaus.
Section 17. Legal Service. - A Legal Service shall be provided where the operations
of the department involve substantial legal work, in which case the Administrative
Service shall not have a Legal Division. The Legal Service shall provide legal advice
to the department; interpret laws and rules affecting the operation of the
department; prepare contracts and instruments to which the department is a party,
and interpret provisions of contracts covering work performed for the department by
private entities; assist in the promulgation of rules governing the activities of the
department; prepare comments on proposed legislation concerning the department;
answer legal queries from the public; assist the Solicitor General in suits involving
the Department or its officers, or employees or act as their principal counsel in all
actions taken in their official capacity before judicial or administrative bodies; and
perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Where the workload of the department does not warrant a Legal Service or a Legal
Division, there shall be one or more legal assistants in the Office of the Secretary.
CHAPTER 4 - Bureaus
Section 18. Bureaus in General. - (1) A Bureau is any principal subdivision of the
department performing a single major function or closely related functions. Bureaus
are either staff or line.
(2) Each bureau shall be headed by a Director who may have one or more Assistant
Directors as provided by law; and
(3) Each bureau may have as many divisions as are provided by law for the
economical, efficient and effective performance of its functions.
Section 19. Staff Bureau. - (1) A staff bureau shall primarily perform policy,
program development and advisory functions.
(2) The Director of a staff bureau shall:
(a) Advise and assist the Office of the Secretary on matters pertaining to the
Bureau's area of specialization;
(b) Provide consultative and advisory services to the regional offices of the
department;
(c) Develop plans, programs, operating standards, and administrative

techniques for the attainment of the objectives and functions of the bureau;
and
(d) Perform such other duties as may be provided by law.
(3) The staff bureau shall avail itself of the planning, financial and administrative
services in the department proper. The bureau may have a separate administrative
division, if circumstances so warrant.
Section 20. Line Bureau. - (1) A line bureau shall directly implement programs
adopted pursuant to department policies and plans.
(2) The Director of a line bureau shall:
(a) Exercise supervision and control over all division and other units, including
regional offices, under the bureau;
(b) Establish policies and standards for the operations of the bureau pursuant
to the plans and programs of the department;
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out bureau objectives,
policies and functions; and
(d) Perform such other duties as may be provided by law.
1. The line bureau may have staff units, as may be necessary, corresponding to the
services of the department proper. If the bureau is small, only a single unit
performing combined staff functions may be provided.
CHAPTER 5 - Field Office
Section 21. Regional Offices. - Regional Offices shall be established according to law
defining field service areas. The administrative regions shall be composed of a
National Capital Region and Regions I to XII. Provincial and district offices may be
established only by law whenever necessary.
Section 22. Integration of Field Service. - Except as otherwise provided by law and
when the needs of the service so require, the department or agency shall organize
an integrated regional office on a department or agency-wide basis.
Section 23. Administration of Regional Office. - The regional office shall be headed
by a Regional Director who may be assisted by one (1) Assistant Regional Director,
except as may otherwise be provided by law. The Regional Director shall be
responsible for department or agency functions performed in the region under his
jurisdiction.
Section 24. Supervision of Regional Offices. - (1) Whenever the function or activity
of a department or agency requires central or interregional action, the function may
be performed by the regional offices under the supervision and control of the
department proper or line bureau concerned.
(2) The staff bureau or division shall perform primarily advisory or auxiliary
functions and exercise in behalf of the department or agency functional supervision
over the regional offices. This shall include authority to develop and set down
standards, policies and procedures to be implemented by operating units, and to
evaluate continuously such implementation for the purpose of recommending or
when authorized, taking corrective measures.
Section 25. Organization of Regional Offices. - Regional offices organized on a

department wide basis shall have units or personnel in which the functional areas of
the staff bureaus and services in the department shall be represented. Regional
offices of a line bureau may have units or personnel in which the functional areas of
the primary units of the bureau are represented. Related functions of regional units
shall be consolidated.
Section 26. Functions of a Regional Office. - (1) A regional office shall:
(a) Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, rules and regulations of the
department or agency in the regional area;
(b) Provide economical, efficient and effective service to the people in the
area;
(c) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, bureaus and

agencies in the area;
(d) Coordinate with local government units in the area; and
(e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
(2) District offices may be established only in cases of clear necessity.
Section 27. Duties of a Regional Director. - The Regional Director shall:
(1) Implement laws, policies, rules and regulations within the responsibility of the
agency;
(2) Implement agency programs in the region;
(3) Exercise the management functions of planning organizing, directing and

controlling
(4) Appoint personnel to positions in the first level and casual and seasonal
employees; and exercise disciplinary actions over them in accordance with the Civil
Service Law;
(5) Approve sick, vacation and maternity leaves of absence with or without pay, for
a period not beyond one year;
(6) Prepare and submit budget proposals for the region to the central office,
administer the budget of the regional office, authorize disbursement of funds
pursuant to approved financial and work programs, and administer the budget
control machinery in the region;
(7) Approve requisition for supplies, materials and equipment, as well as books and
periodicals, and other items for the region, in accordance with the approved supply
procurement program;
(8) Negotiate and enter into contracts for services or furnishing supplies, materials
and equipment to the regional office involving an amount not exceeding fifty
thousand pesos (P50,000.00) within a given quarter, provided that authority in
excess of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) may be further authorized by the
proper department or agency head;
(9) Approve claims for benefits under existing laws;
(10) Approve requests for overtime services;
(11) Promote coordination among the regional offices, and between his regional
office and local government units in the region;
(12) Provide housekeeping services for the regional office;
(13) Approve application of personnel for permission to teach, exercise a profession,

or engage in business outside of office hours in accordance with standards and
guidelines of the Civil Service Commission;
(14) Issue travel vouchers authorizing employees to travel on official business within
the region for a period not exceeding thirty days;
(15) Approve attendance of personnel in conferences, seminars, and non-degree

training programs within the region;
(16) Authorize the allocation of funds to provincial/district offices; and
(17) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law or further
delegated by the head of agency or other proper authorities concerned.
Section 28. Review of Acts of Regional Director. - Nothing in the preceding Section
shall be construed as a limitation on the power of the Secretary to review and
modify, alter or reverse any action of the Regional Director, or to initiate promotions
and transfers of personnel from one region to another.
CHAPTER 6 - Powers and Duties of Heads of Bureaus or Offices
Section 29. Powers and Duties in General. - The head of bureau or office shall be its
chief executive officer. He shall exercise overall authority in matters within the
jurisdiction of the bureau, office or agency, including those relating to its operations,
and enforce all laws and regulations pertaining to it.
Section 30. Authority to Appoint and Discipline. - The head of bureau or office shall
appoint personnel to all positions in his bureau or office, in accordance with law. In
the case of the line bureau or office, the head shall also appoint the second level
personnel of the regional offices, unless such power has been delegated. He shall
have the authority to discipline employees in accordance with the Civil Service Law.
Section 31. Duties of Assistant Heads and Subordinates. - (1) Assistant heads and
other subordinates in every bureau or office shall perform such duties as may be
required by law or regulations, or as may be specified by their superiors not
otherwise inconsistent with law;
(2) The head of bureau or office may, in the interest of economy, designate the
assistant head to act as chief of any division or unit within the organization, in
addition to his duties, without additional compensation; and
(3) In the absence of special restriction prescribed by law, nothing shall prevent a
subordinate officer or employee from being assigned additional duties by proper
authority, when not inconsistent with the performance of the duties imposed by law.
Section 32. Acting Head of Bureau or Office. - In case of the absence or disability of
the head of a bureau or office, his duties shall be performed by the assistant head.
When there are two or more assistant heads, the Secretary shall make the
designation. In the absence of an assistant head, the Secretary may designate any
officer or employee of the bureau or office as acting head without additional

compensation.
Section 33. Performance of Duties of Subordinate Officers Temporarily Absent. - In

case of the temporary absence or disability of any subordinate officer or employee in
any bureau or office, its head may, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,
designate any other subordinate officer or employee within the organization to
perform temporarily the duties of the absent or disabled person.
Section 34. Filling of Vacancies. - Vacancies caused by death, resignation or removal
of any officer or subordinate may be temporarily filled in the same manner as in the
case of temporary absence or disability. The vacancies shall not be filled by
permanent appointment, until the expiration of any leave allowable to the
predecessor, unless the exigencies of the service require that the appointment be
made immediately.
Section 35. Power to Require Bonds. - (1) The head of each bureau or office shall,
consistent with law, rules and regulations, prescribe the form and fix the amount of
all bonds executed by private parties to the government under the laws pertaining
to his bureau or office. He shall pass on the sufficiency of the security and retain
possession of the bond.
(2) When it appears that any such bond is insufficient, the head may require
additional security. He may withdraw the privilege secured by the bond upon failure
of the party to give additional security within the period fixed in the notice, but such
an action shall be without prejudice to the liability of any person or property already
obligated.
Section 36. Authority to Prescribe Forms and Issue Regulations. - (1) The head of a
bureau or office shall prescribe forms and issue circulars or orders to secure the
harmonious and efficient administration of his bureau or office and to carry into full
effect the laws relating to matters within his jurisdiction. Penalties shall not be
prescribed in any circular or order for its violation, except as expressly allowed by
law;
(2) Heads of bureaus or offices are authorized to issue orders regarding the
administration of their internal affairs for the guidance of or compliance by their
officers and employees;
(3) Regional directors are authorized to issue circulars of purely information or

implementing nature and orders relating to the administration of the internal affairs
of regional offices and units within their supervision; and
(4) Issuances under paragraphs (2) and (3) hereof shall not require, for their
effectivity, approval by the Secretary or other authority.
Section 37. Annual Reports. - (1) All heads of bureaus or offices of the national
government shall render annual reports to their respective Secretaries on or before
the last day of February of each year.
(2) The reports shall contain concise statements of accomplishments and

assessment of the progress attained in terms of approved programs and projects,
including pertinent financial statements on expenditures incurred in their
implementation during the calendar year. Broad recommendations and plans for
undertaking work during the ensuing period shall be included together with matters
specifically required by law or regulation to be incorporated therein.
CHAPTER 7 - Administrative Relationship
Section 38. Definition of Administrative Relationship. - Unless otherwise expressly

stated in the Code or in other laws defining the special relationships of particular
agencies, administrative relationships shall be categorized and defined as follows:
(1) Supervision and Control. - Supervision and control shall include authority to act
directly whenever a specific function is entrusted by law or regulation to a
subordinate; direct the performance of duty; restrain the commission of acts;
review, approve, reverse or modify acts and decisions of subordinate officials or
units; determine priorities in the execution of plans and programs; and prescribe
standards, guidelines, plans and programs. Unless a different meaning is explicitly
provided in the specific law governing the relationship of particular agencies, the
word "control" shall encompass supervision and control as defined in this paragraph.
(2) Administrative Supervision. - (a) Administrative supervision which shall govern

the administrative relationship between a department or its equivalent and
regulatory agencies or other agencies as may be provided by law, shall be limited to
the authority of the department or its equivalent to generally oversee the operations
of such agencies and to insure that they are managed effectively, efficiently and
economically but without interference with day-to-day activities; or require the
submission of reports and cause the conduct of management audit, performance
evaluation and inspection to determine compliance with policies, standards and
guidelines of the department; to take such action as may be necessary for the
proper performance of official functions, including rectification of violations, abuses
and other forms of maladministration; and to review and pass upon budget
proposals of such agencies but may not increase or add to them;
(b) Such authority shall not, however, extend to: (1) appointments and other
personnel actions in accordance with the decentralization of personnel functions
under the Code, except appeal is made from an action of the appointing authority, in
which case the appeal shall be initially sent to the department or its equivalent,
subject to appeal in accordance with law; (2) contracts entered into by the agency
in the pursuit of its objectives, the review of which and other procedures related
thereto shall be governed by appropriate laws, rules and regulations; and (3) the
power to review, reverse, revise, or modify the decisions of regulatory agencies in
the exercise of their regulatory or quasi-judicial functions; and
(c) Unless a different meaning is explicitly provided in the specific law governing the
relationship of particular agencies, the word "supervision" shall encompass
administrative supervision as defined in this paragraph.
(3) Attachment. - (a) This refers to the lateral relationship between the department
or its equivalent and the attached agency or corporation for purposes of policy and
program coordination. The coordination may be accomplished by having the
department represented in the governing board of the attached agency or
corporation, either as chairman or as a member, with or without voting rights, if this
is permitted by the charter; having the attached corporation or agency comply with
a system of periodic reporting which shall reflect the progress of programs and
projects; and having the department or its equivalent provide general policies
through its representative in the board, which shall serve as the framework for the
internal policies of the attached corporation or agency;
(b) Matters of day-to-day administration or all those pertaining to internal

operations shall be left to the discretion or judgment of the executive officer of the
agency or corporation. In the event that the Secretary and the head of the board or
the attached agency or corporation strongly disagree on the interpretation and
application of policies, and the Secretary is unable to resolve the disagreement, he
shall bring the matter to the President for resolution and direction;
(c) Government-owned or controlled corporations attached to a department shall

submit to the Secretary concerned their audited financial statements within sixty
(60) days after the close of the fiscal year; and
(d) Pending submission of the required financial statements, the corporation shall
continue to operate on the basis of the preceding year's budget until the financial
statements shall have been submitted. Should any government-owned or controlled
corporation incur an operation deficit at the close of its fiscal year, it shall be subject
to administrative supervision of the department; and the corporation's operating and
capital budget shall be subject to the department's examination, review,
modification and approval.
CHAPTER 8 - Supervision and Control
Section 39. Secretary's Authority. - (1) The Secretary shall have supervision and
control over the bureaus, offices, and agencies under him, subject to the following
guidelines:
(a) Initiative and freedom of action on the part of subordinate units shall be
encouraged and promoted, rather than curtailed, and reasonable opportunity to act
shall be afforded those units before control is exercised;
(b) With respect to functions involving discretion, experienced judgment or expertise

vested by law upon a subordinate agency, control shall be exercised in accordance
with said law; and
(c) With respect to any regulatory function of an agency subject to department

control, the authority of the department shall be governed by the provisions of
Chapter 9 of this book.
(2) This Chapter shall not apply to chartered institutions or government-owned or

controlled corporations attached to the department.
Section 40. Delegation of Authority. - The Secretary or the head of an agency shall
have authority over and responsibility for its operation. He shall delegate such
authority to the bureau and regional directors as may be necessary for them to
implement plans and programs adequately. Delegated authority shall be to the
extent necessary for economical, efficient and effective implementation of national
and local programs in accordance with policies and standards developed by each
department or agency with the participation of the regional directors. The delegation
shall be in writing; shall indicate to which officer or class of officers or employees

the delegation is made; and shall vest sufficient authority to enable the delegate to
discharge his assigned responsibility.
Section 41. Line Bureau Authority. - (1) Line bureaus of a department shall exercise
supervision and control over their regional and other field offices. They shall be
directly responsible for the development and implementation of plans and programs
within their respective functional specializations; and
(2) The regional and other field offices shall constitute the operating arms of the
bureau concerned for the direct implementation of the plans and programs drawn up
in accordance with approved policies and standards. As counterparts of the bureau
in the region, they shall undertake bureau operations within their respective
jurisdictions, and be directly responsible to their bureau director.
CHAPTER 9 - RELATIONSHIPS OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR CONTROLLED

CORPORATIONS AND REGULATORY AGENCIES TO THE DEPARTMENT
Section 42. Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations. - Government-owned or

controlled corporations shall be attached to the appropriate department with which
they have allied functions, as hereinafter provided, or as may be provided by
executive order, for policy and program coordination and for general supervision
provided in pertinent provisions of this Code.
In order to fully protect the interests of the government in government-owned or

controlled corporations, at least one-third (1/3) of the members of the Boards of
such corporations should either be a Secretary, or Undersecretary, or Assistant
Secretary.
Section 43. Regulatory Agencies. - (1) A regulatory agency shall be subject to the
administrative supervision of the department under which they are placed, except
when they are government corporations in which case they shall be governed by the
provisions of the preceding section;
(2) The heads of regulatory agencies shall submit annually, for the approval of the
Secretary concerned, their budgets and work plans which shall be the basis of their
day-to-day operations; and
(3) The regulatory agencies may avail themselves of the common auxiliary and
management services of the department as may be convenient and economical for
their operations.
CHAPTER 10 - Appointments and Qualifications
Section 44. Appointment of Secretaries. - The Secretaries of Departments shall be

appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, at
the beginning of his term of office, and shall hold office, unless sooner removed,
until the expiration of his term of office, or until their successors shall have been
appointed and qualified.
Section 45. Qualifications of Secretaries. - The Secretaries shall be citizens of the

Philippines and not less than twenty-five years of age.
Section 46. Appointments of Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. - The

Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries of Departments shall, upon the

nomination of the Secretary of the Department concerned, be appointed by the
President.
Section 47. Appointment to other Senior Positions and their Equivalents. - Directors
and Assistant Directors of Bureaus, Regional and Assistant Regional Directors,
Department Service Chiefs, and their Equivalents shall be appointed by the
President in accordance with law, rules and regulations.
Section 48. Disqualification of the spouse and relatives of the President. - The
spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree of the
President shall not during his tenure be appointed as Secretaries, Undersecretaries,
Chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices including government-owned or controlled
corporations and their subsidiaries.
Section 49. Inhibitions Against Holding More than Two Positions. - Even, if allowed
by law or by the primary functions of his position, a member of the Cabinet,
undersecretary, assistant secretary or other appointive official of the Executive
Department may, in addition to his primary position, hold not more than two
positions in the government and government-owned corporations and receive the
corresponding compensation therefor: Provided, that this limitation shall not apply
to ad hoc bodies or committees, or to boards, councils or bodies of which the
President is the Chairman.
If a Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary or other appointive official of the

Executive Department holds more positions than what is allowed in the preceding
paragraph, he must relinquish the excess positions in favor of a subordinate official
who is next in rank, but in no case shall any
official hold more than two positions other than his primary position.
CHAPTER 11 - Administrative Issuances
Section 50. General Classification of Issuances. - The administrative issuances of

Secretaries and heads of bureaus, offices or agencies shall be in the form of
circulars or orders.
(1) Circulars shall refer to issuances prescribing policies, rules and regulations, and
procedures promulgated pursuant to law, applicable to individuals and organizations
outside the Government and designed to supplement provisions of the law or to
provide means for carrying them out, including information relating thereto; and
(2) Orders shall refer to issuances directed to particular offices, officials, or

employees, concerning specific matters including assignments, detail and transfer of
personnel, for observance or compliance by all concerned.
Section 51. Numbering System of Issuances. - Every circular or order issued

pursuant to the preceding section shall properly be identified as such and
chronologically numbered. Each class of issuance shall begin with number 1 of each
calendar year .
Section 52. Official Logbook. - Each department, bureau, office or agency shall keep
and preserve a logbook in which shall be recorded in chronological order, all final
official acts, decisions, transactions or contracts, pertaining to the department,

bureau, office or agency. Whenever the performance of an official act is in issue, the
date and the time record in the logbook shall be controlling. The logbook shall be in
the custody of the chief Administrative Officer concerned and shall be open to the
public for inspection.
Section 53. Government-wide Application of the Classification of Issuances. - (1)

The Records Management and Archives Office in the General Services Administration
shall provide such assistance as may be necessary to effect general adherence to
the foregoing classification of issuances, including the conduct of studies for
developing sub-classifications and guidelines to meet peculiar needs; and
(2) All administrative issuances of a general or permanent character shall be
compiled, indexed and published pursuant to the provisions of this Code.
CHAPTER 12 - Miscellaneous Receipts
Section 54. Charges for Property Sold or Services Rendered; Refunds. - (1) For
services required by law to be rendered for a fee, for supplies furnished, or articles
of any kind sold to other divisions of the government or to any person, the head of
bureau, office or agency may, upon approval of the Secretary charge and collect the
cost of the service, supplies, or articles or other rate in excess of cost prescribed by
law or approved by the same authority. For local governments, the rate, except
where otherwise prescribed by law, shall be affixed at cost or at such other
reasonable rate in excess of cost by the boards or councils concerned;
(2) The officer authorized to fix the amount to be paid for service rendered and
supplies or articles furnished or sold may recommend that the whole or part of any
sum so paid be refunded, upon approval of the Commission on Audit.
Section 55. Disposition of Miscellaneous Bureau Receipts. - In the absence of special

provision, money collected for property sold or service rendered, and all other
receipts or earnings of bureaus, offices, and agencies not derived from taxation,
shall accrue to the general unappropriated funds of the National Government.
Section 56. Printing of Studies and Researches. - With the approval of the Secretary,
a bureau, office, or agency may print its studies, researches and similar materials
for distribution at cost to the public. The Secretary may authorize the printing or
reprinting of the said materials by private persons for sale to the public upon
payment of such royalties as may be fixed by him, which shall accrue to the general
fund.
CHAPTER 13 - Contracts
Section 57. Conveyances and Contracts to which the Government is a Party. - Any
deed, instrument or contract conveying the title to real estate or to any other
property the value of which does not exceed fifty million pesos (P50,000,000)
awarded through public bidding, and five million pesos (P5,000,000) awarded
through negotiation, shall be executed and signed by the respective Secretary on
behalf of the Government of the Philippines. Where the value of the property
exceeds the aforesaid ceilings, such deed, instrument or contract shall be executed
and signed by the President of the Philippines on behalf of the Government.
Section 58. Ceiling for Infrastructure Contracts. - The following shall be the ceilings
for all civil works, construction and other contracts for infrastructure projects,
including supply contracts for said projects, awarded through public bidding or
through negotiation, which may be approved by the Secretaries of Public Works and
Highways, Transportation and Communications, Local Government with respect to
Rural Road Improvement Project, and governing boards of government-owned or
controlled corporations:
Awarded Awarded
through Public through
Bidding Negotiation
a. Secretary of Public Works and
P100 Mil. P10 Mil.
Highways
b. Secretary of Transportation and
100 Mil. 10 Mil.
Communications
c. Secretary of Local Government with
respect to the Rural Road Improvement 100 Mil. 2 Mil.
Project
d. Government Boards of Infra-
structure Corporations (National Power
Corporation, National Irrigation
Administration, Metropolitan
Waterworks and Sewerage System,
National Housing Authority, Philippine 50 Mil.
5 Mil.
Port Authority, National Electrification
Administration, Export Processing Zone
Authority, Philippine National Railways,
Local Water Utilities Administration,
Light Rail Transit Authority and
Philippine National Oil Company)
e. Governing Boards of Non-
Infrastructure Corporations 7.5 Mil. 1 Mil.
Save as provided for above, the approval ceilings assigned to the

departments/agencies involved in national infrastructure and construction projects
shall remain at the levels provided in existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 59. Contracts for Approval by the President. - Contracts for infrastructure
projects, including contracts for the supply of materials and equipment to be used in
said projects, which involve amounts above the ceilings provided in the preceding
section shall be approved by the President: Provided, That the President may, when
conditions so warrant, and upon recommendation of the National Economic and
Development Authority, revise the aforesaid ceilings of approving authority.
Section 60. Approval of Consultancy Contracts. - All purely consultancy contracts

relating to infrastructure projects, regardless of amount, shall be approved by the
Secretaries concerned, in accordance with the Guidelines on the Hiring of
Consultants to be promulgated by the National Economic and Development
Authority: Provided, That the National Economic and Development Authority shall be
furnished by the departments, agencies or government corporations concerned,
copies of all consultancy contracts entered into by them involving an amount in
excess of P1 million for monitoring purposes.
Section 61. Delegation of Authority to Governing Boards of Government

Corporations. - The Secretaries are authorized to delegate to the governing boards
of government-owned or controlled corporations which are attached to or are under
the administrative supervision of their respective departments, the authority to
approve contracts for infrastructure projects entered into by said corporations
involving amounts which are beyond the ceiling provided for government
corporations under Section 57 hereof but which are within the approving authority of
the Secretaries under the said Section. In the case of government corporations
which are attached to or under the Office of the President, the delegation shall be
made by the Executive Secretary.
Section 62. Public Bidding of Contracts; Exceptions. - As a general rule, contracts for
infrastructure projects shall be awarded after open public bidding to bidders who
submit the lowest responsive/evaluated bids. Open Public Bidding shall be
conducted among prequalified contractors in accordance with laws, rules and
regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter. The award of such
contracts through negotiations shall only be allowed by the Secretary or Governing
Board of the Corporation concerned within the limits as stated in Section 57 hereof
in the following cases:
a. In times of emergencies arising from natural calamities where immediate

action is necessary to prevent imminent loss of life or property, in which case,
direct negotiation or simplified bidding may be undertaken;
b. Failure to award the contract after competitive public bidding for valid cause
or causes, in which case, simplified bidding may be undertaken; and
c. Where the construction project covered by the contract is adjacent or

contiguous to an on-going project and it could be economically prosecuted by
the same contractor, in which case, direct negotiation may be undertaken with
the said contractor at the same unit prices and contract conditions, less
mobilization costs, provided that he has no negative slippage and has
demonstrated a satisfactory performance. Otherwise, the contract shall be
awarded through public bidding.
Section 63. Contracts for Community Employment and Development Program

Projects. - Contracts covering projects under the Community Employment and
Development Program of the government shall be awarded through open public
bidding: Provided, That the invitation to bid for the said projects shall be advertised
at least once within one week in a newspaper of local circulation within the province
where the project is situated, through posting of notices in the premises of the
municipal/provincial office, and through other forms of media, such as radio and
television: Provided, further, That the deadline for submission of bids for projects
costing not more than P1 million each may be shortened to one week after the date
of such invitation, posting of notices or advertisement through other forms of media.
Section 64. Constitution of the Prequalification, Bids, and Awards Committee. - Each
department, office or agency shall have in its head office or in its implementing
offices a Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee which shall be responsible for
the conduct of prequalification of contractors, biddings, evaluation of bids and
recommending awards of contracts. Each Prequalification, Bids and Awards
Committee shall be composed of the following:
a. A Chairman (regular) who should at least be a third ranking official of the

department/agency/implementing Office;
b. An Executive Officer and Secretary (regular) who is a Legal Officer of the
department/office/implementing office;
c. A Technical Member (regular) to be designated by the Secretary or the head
of the office/agency/implementing office;
d. Two members (provisional) with experience in the type of project to be
bidded and in project management, duly designated by the Secretary or the
head of the office/implementing office on a project-to-project basis; and
e. A representative from at least one of the following organizations who shall
be a non-voting member:
1. Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers

2. Philippine Contractors Association
3. National Confederation of Contractors Associations of the Philippines,
Inc.
4. Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
The representation in the Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee of the above-
mentioned private organizations shall be made as follows:
1. During the prequalification stage, the representative to be invited shall come from
the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and
2. In the bidding, bid evaluation and award stages, a representative each from the
Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants and from the Philippine
Contractors Association or the National Confederation of Contractors Associations of
the Philippines, Inc. shall be invited as non-voting members of the Prequalification,
Bids and Awards Committee without prejudice to inviting another representative/s
from any of the other organizations mentioned above.
Section 65. Approval of other types of Government Contracts. - All other types of
government contracts which are not within the coverage of this Chapter shall, in the
absence of a special provision, be executed with the approval of the Secretary or by
the head of the bureau or office having control of the appropriation against which
the contract would create a charge. Such contracts shall be processed and approved
in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
CHAPTER 14 - Controversies among Government offices and Corporations
Section 66. How Settled. - All disputes, claims and controversies, solely between or
among the departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the
National Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, such
as those arising from the interpretation and application of statutes, contracts or
agreements, shall be administratively settled or adjudicated in the manner provided
in this Chapter. This Chapter shall, however, not apply to disputes involving the
Congress, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Commissions, and local
governments.
Section 67. Disputes Involving Questions of Law. - All cases involving only questions
of law shall be submitted to and settled or adjudicated by the Secretary of Justice as

Attorney-General of the National Government and as ex officio legal adviser of all
government-owned or controlled corporations. His ruling or decision thereon shall be
conclusive and binding on all the parties concerned.
Section 68. Disputes Involving Questions of Fact and Law. - Cases involving mixed
questions of law and of fact or only factual issues shall be submitted to and settled
or adjudicated by:
(1) The Solicitor General, if the dispute, claim or controversy involves only
departments, bureaus, offices and other agencies of the National Government as
well as government-owned or controlled corporations or entities of whom he is the
principal law officer or general counsel; and
(2) The Secretary of Justice, in all other cases not falling under paragraph (1).
Section 69. Arbitration. - The determination of factual issues may be referred to an
arbitration panel composed of one representative each of the parties involved and
presided over by a representative of the Secretary of Justice or the Solicitor
General, as the case may be.
Section 70. Appeals. - The decision of the Secretary of Justice as well as that of the
Solicitor General, when approved by the Secretary of Justice, shall be final and
binding upon the parties involved. Appeals may, however, be taken to the President
where the amount of the claim or the value of the property exceeds one million
pesos. The decision of the President shall be final.
Section 71. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Justice shall promulgate the
rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.
Title I - FOREIGN AFFAIRS
CHAPTER 1 - General Provissions
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue an independent foreign

policy. In its relations with other states the paramount consideration shall be
national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-
determination.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall be the lead agency that shall advise and
assist the President in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating
the total national effort in the field of foreign relations.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - To carry out its mandate and accomplish its
mission, the Department shall:
(1) Conduct the country's foreign relations;
(2) Maintain and develop the country's representation with foreign governments;
(3) Conduct Philippine representation in the United Nations, the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other international and regional
organizations;
(4) Serve as the channel for matters involving foreign relations, including official
communications to and from the Republic of the Philippines;
(5) Negotiate treaties and other agreements pursuant to instructions of the

President, and in coordination with other government agencies;
(6) Promote trade, investments, tourism and other economic relations with other
countries in cooperation with other government agencies;
(7) Foster cultural relations with other countries and protect and enhance the
Philippines' image abroad;
(8) Undertake efforts to inform the international community about the Philippines in
cooperation with other government agencies;
(9) Protect and assist Philippine nationals abroad;
(10) Carry out legal documentation functions as provided for by law and
regulations;
(11) Monitor and analyze events in other countries and report them, as appropriate,
to the President and other government agencies;
(12) Initiate, formulate, integrate and submit to the President short, medium, and
long-range foreign policy plans and programs in cooperation with other government
agencies;
(13) Supervise and direct officials and employees assigned by the Department and
other government agencies to Foreign Service establishments abroad in accordance
with the pertinent laws, rules and inter-agency agreements;
(14) Recruit, maintain and develop a professional career foreign service based on
merit; and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall have the following

units:
(1) The Department Proper which shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary,
the Offices of the Undersecretaries, the Offices of the Assistant Secretaries, and the
Home Offices;
(2) The Foreign Service Establishments which are the Philippine Embassies,
Consulates, Legations and
Permanent Missions.
CHAPTER 2 - Department Proper
Section 5. Offices Under the Direct Supervision of the Secretary. - The Secretary
shall exercise direct supervision over the following:
(1) Foreign Service Institute. - The Foreign Service Institute shall continue to
operate under its charter, and shall have the following main objectives and
responsibilities:
(a) Program, implement, and manage the Career Foreign Service Development
Program (CFSDP) in all of its main components for the purpose of upgrading the
professional Career Foreign Service Corps;
(b) Program, implement and manage complementary organizational development

programs for the Department as well as other training and educational programs for
both its career and non-career personnel, and personnel of other government
agencies assigned to foreign missions;
(c) Program, implement and manage the necessary supportive plans and operating
systems for the Career Foreign Service Development Programs and complementary
programs;
(d) Develop its own policies, and rules, program of activities, core staff and
consultants, administrative structure, operating systems and resources, in order to
enable it to accomplish competently its activities.
It shall be revitalized as the training, research, and career development arm of the
Department, in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
The Institute shall be an integral participant in the planning review process in the
Department.
(2) UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines. - The United Nations

Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) National Commission of
the Philippines shall, in coordination with the Office of United Nations and other
international organizations, advise the Philippine Government and the Philippine
delegation to the UNESCO Conference, on matters relating to UNESCO, and shall
function as a liaison agency on matters pertaining to the Commission.
(3) Technical Assistance Council. - The Technical Assistance Council shall continue to
perform its present functions including the conduct and expansion of its programs.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by two (2)

Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President, upon the
recommendation of the Secretary. The Secretary shall determine and assign the
respective functions and responsibilities of the Undersecretaries. The Secretary shall
designate one of the Undersecretaries as Acting Secretary in his absence.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by six (6)

Assistant Secretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation
by the Secretary. The Secretary shall delineate the respective areas of responsibility
of each Assistant Secretary.
Section 8. Home Offices. -
(1) Geographical Offices. - The following offices shall be responsible for providing
staff support and policy guidance in the coordination, supervision, monitoring,
integration, and reporting of the activities and operations of Philippine diplomatic
missions and establishments within their geographical coverage:

(a) Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs: Japan and Northeast Asia, China, Central Asia,
Southeast Asia, South Asia and Pacific countries;
(b) Office of Middle East and African Affairs: the Gulf States, Middle East and North
Africa, West Africa and East Africa;
(c) Office of American Affairs: United States of America, Canada, Mexico, the Central
American and Caribbean countries, and South America.
(d) Office of European Affairs: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Western Europe,
Eastern Europe and Central Europe.
(2) Office of ASEAN Affairs. - The Office of ASEAN Affairs shall be responsible for
Philippine participation and negotiation, as well as providing staff support and policy
guidance in the coordination, supervision, monitoring, integration, reporting and
operations of the Philippine Government in the ASEAN.
(3) Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations. - The Office
of the United Nations and other International Organizations shall be responsible for
Philippine participation and negotiation as well as providing staff support and policy
guidance in the coordination, supervision, monitoring, integration, reporting and
operations of the Philippine Government in the United Nations, its specialized
agencies and other international organizations. It shall also serve as the secretariat
of all Philippine National Commissions and Councils created pursuant to
commitments in the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
(4) Office of International Economic Affairs and Development. - The Office of

International Economic Affairs and Development shall be responsible for conducting
programs and activities of the Department in the fields of international trade,
finance and economics; coordinate with the regional offices and the Office of United
Nations and International Organizations; and, in coordination with the Department
of Trade and Industry, conduct trade and investment promotion activities of the
Department.
(5) Office of Cultural Affairs and Public Information Services. - The Office of Cultural
Affairs and Public Information Services shall be responsible for promoting the
cultural and public information program of the Government abroad and for the
development and dissemination of information and the coordination of information
activities on the Government's foreign and domestic policies.
(6) Office of Personnel and Administrative Services. - The Office of Personnel and
Administrative Services shall be responsible for the efficient management of human
resources and administrative support services, and shall make appropriate
recommendations, including those concerning job classification, salary
administration, benefits, retirement, and awards to deserving members of the
Foreign Service.
(7) Office of Financial Management Services. - The Office of Financial Management

Services shall be responsible for budgetary, financial and accounting services in the
Department and the Foreign Service.
(8) Office of Consular Services. - The Office of Consular Services shall be

responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of passport, visa and
authentication services. It shall also extend assistance to Filipino nationals both here
and abroad.
Section 9. Advisory Boards and Committees. - The Secretary may create such
advisory boards and committees as he may deem necessary to assist and provide
him with advice in the formulation of policies, as well as designate as special
advisers such Chiefs of Mission who are on home assignment on specific areas of
their expertise.
Section 10. Office of the Legal Adviser. - The Office of the Legal Adviser shall be
headed by a Legal Adviser, who shall be a career Chief of Mission. However, the
Legal Adviser may be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the
Secretary, from outside the career service, in which case he shall have the
assimilated rank of a Chief of Mission. His term shall be co-terminus with the tenure
of the Secretary, unless sooner terminated, and he is not eligible for foreign
assignment. The Legal Adviser shall provide legal advice and services to the
Department.
Section 11. Office of Coordination and Policy Planning. - The Office of Coordination
and Policy Planning shall be headed by the Chief Coordinator. The Office of
Coordination and Policy Planning shall initiate, coordinate and integrate the planning
of foreign policy. It shall provide staff support to the Office of Secretary and perform
coordinating and such other functions as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
Section 12. Office of Data Banking and Communication. - The Office of Data Banking
and Communication shall establish and maintain a modern data and communication
center in the Department. The Office shall:
(1) Assist the Secretary on all matters regarding data banking and information
retrieval;
(2) Establish, develop and maintain a computerized foreign-relations data bank for
the Department;
(3) Establish, develop and maintain both domestic and foreign service
communications systems, including efficient flow systems for all correspondence
between and among all Department units;
(4) Establish, develop and maintain the records system of the entire Department;
(5) Provide technical assistance to any service, office, or attached agency of the
Department, on matters within its competence; and
(6) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Secretary.
Section 13. Office of Protocol, State and Official Visits. - The Office of Protocol, State
and Official Visits shall coordinate preparations for state visits, the reception of
Chiefs of State, heads of Government, the highest foreign dignitaries visiting the
Philippines, as well as official visits of Philippine officials abroad, as may be
determined by the President. It shall also be responsible for handling all activities of
the Department concerning protocol, ceremonials and socials, the proper
observance and enforcement of formalities, courtesies, facilities, immunities and
privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna
Convention on Consular Relations, and other applicable conventions and
agreements.
Section 14. Office of Intelligence and Security. - The Office of Intelligence and
Security shall adopt a system of information gathering and analysis, act as liaison
with the intelligence community, and provide security services in the Department. It
shall also undertake the enforcement and monitoring of security procedures in the
Department and Foreign Service establishments.
CHAPTER 4 - Board of Foreign Service Administration
Section 15. Composition. - The Board of Foreign Service Administration shall be

composed of nine (9) members: one (1) Undersecretary as Chairman; the other
Undersecretary as Vice-Chairman; the six (6) Assistant Secretaries and the Legal
Adviser, as members.
Section 16. Functions. - The Board shall be responsible for considering and
recommending policies for the efficient and economical discharge of the
administrative operations of the Department and the Foreign Service. It shall also
consider and submit recommendation on policy and other matters concerning
personnel, including the appointment, promotion and assignment of Foreign Service
Staff Officers and Employees, as well as recommend to the President through the
Secretary the appointment and promotion of Foreign Service Officers, Counselors
and Chiefs of Mission. It shall also act and submit recommendations on
administrative cases involving personnel of the Department and the Foreign Service.
CHAPTER 5 - Board of Foreign Service Examiners
Section 17. Composition. - The Board of Foreign Service Examiners shall be

composed of one (1) Undersecretary as Chairman; and the Assistant Secretary for
Personnel and Administrative Services and a Commissioner of the Civil Service
Commission as members. The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of
such Undersecretary.
Section 18. Functions. - The Board shall be responsible for planning and
administering the Foreign Service Officers Examinations and the Foreign Service
Staff Officers and Foreign Service Staff Employees Examinations.
CHAPTER 6 - Attached Agencies
Section 19. Attached Agencies. - The Law of the Sea Secretariat, the Inter-Agency
Technical Committee on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation with
Socialist Countries (SOCCOM), the Inter-Agency Technical Committee on Technical
Cooperation Among Developing Countries (IATC-TCDC), the Permanent Inter-Agency
Technical Committee on ESCAP Matters (PITCEM), and other agencies attached to
the Department shall continue to operate and function in accordance with their
respective charters or laws creating them, except as otherwise provided in this
Code.
CHAPTER 7 - The Foreign Service
Section 20. Functions of Diplomatic Missions. - The Diplomatic Missions shall:
(1) Represent the Philippines abroad and promote friendly relations with other
countries in all fields;
(2) Protect national interests and the interests of Filipino nationals abroad;
(3) Ascertain and evaluate conditions and developments abroad and report thereon
to the Department Head;
(4) Serve as channels of communication between the Government of the Philippines

and foreign governments; and
(5) Perform such other functions provided by law.
Section 21. Functions of Consular Establishments. - The consular establishments

shall:
(1) Protect national interests abroad and promote foreign relations in all fields,
particularly in the economic and trade areas;
(2) Ascertain and evaluate conditions and developments abroad in the commercial,
economic, cultural and scientific fields and report thereon to the Department Head;
(3) Issue passports and travel documents to Filipino nationals, and visas or
appropriate documents to foreign nationals desiring to travel to the Philippines;
(4) Protect the interests of Filipino nationals abroad, provide necessary services and
assistance, and perform notarial functions allowed by regulations;
(5) Transmit judicial and extra-judicial documents and execute letters rogatory or
commissions to receive evidence abroad for Philippine courts;
(6) Supervise and inspect in accordance with laws and regulations of the Philippines,
vessels and aircrafts and their crews; and
1. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
CHAPTER 8 - Attaches and Representatives
Section 22. Attaches of the Department. - The Department Head shall designate
attaches of the Department from the ranks of Foreign Service Officers and Foreign
Service Staff Officers.
Section 23. Attaches of Other Departments. - The assignment abroad of personnel

in any Department, Bureau or office of the Philippine government as attaches or
representatives shall have the prior clearance of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
The clearance shall include such matters as the actual need for opening particular
types of attache services, and the specific places where these services will be made
available.
Section 24. Appointment and Accreditation of Attaches. - (1) The authority to

appoint attaches shall be vested in the Head of the Department or agency
maintaining the attache service, who shall consult with the Secretary of Foreign
Affairs on such appointments.
(2) A Department or agency shall have only one attache accredited to it by the
receiving government, except military attaches.
(3) The designation of attaches shall apply only to those serving in diplomatic
missions. Those assigned to consular establishments shall be designated as
representatives.
Except in extraordinary cases, each foreign service establishment shall have only
military, labor, revenue, tourism, information and commercial attaches.
In the event of the actual need for more than one attache, as determined by the
department or agency in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the
succeeding attache shall be accredited as assistant attache.
Section 25. Relationships Between the Chief of Mission and Attaches. - The Chief of
Mission shall be responsible for the conduct of affairs of government at the
diplomatic posts. All attaches and representatives of other departments, shall during
their tour of duty, be under the immediate control and administrative supervision of
the Chief of Mission where they are assigned. They shall be required to submit their
reports to their agencies through the Chief of Mission and the Department of Foreign
Affairs, except when national security requires otherwise. They shall clear with the
Chief of Mission all their public pronouncements at the diplomatic post, and all the
documents and materials they send shall be transmitted through the diplomatic
pouch.
The supremacy of the Chief of Mission for the conduct of foreign relations at the
post is established. The Chief of Mission shall have the authority to discipline
attaches within his Mission, including the authority to have them recalled, if
necessary.
Section 26. Assimilated Ranks. - (1) Except as the President may appoint, no officer
of the Philippine government stationed abroad, outside the Department of Foreign
Affairs, shall be assigned assimilated ranks higher than Foreign Service Officer Class
I.
(2) The assignment of assimilated rank personnel of the Philippine government

stationed abroad shall remain with the President who shall act on the basis of
recommendations of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of
Budget and Management.
(3) The assimilated ranks are for purposes of compensation only and shall not
confer diplomatic rank for purposes of protocol. Civil attaches shall always rank after
the lowest ranking Foreign Service officer in the post.
Section 27. Relationship Between the Consul-General or the Principal Officer at the
Consulate and the Representative. - The relationship of the Consul-General or the
Principal Officer at the post and the Representatives assigned to the said post shall
be the same as the relationship between the Chief of Mission and the attaches.
Section 28. Uniform Rules for Attache Services. - A uniform set of rules and
regulations shall govern attache and representative services. This shall be drafted
by an Inter-Department Committee to be composed of the Undersecretary of
Foreign Affairs as Chairman, and the Undersecretaries, or equivalent officials, of the
Departments or agencies with attaches or representatives abroad, as members.
CHAPTER 9 - Personnel
Section 29. Policy. - To enable the Foreign Service to effectively serve abroad the
interests of the Republic of the Philippines, it shall be the policy of the Department
that only persons who are competent, of good moral character, and fully informed of
the Philippine History and current trends in Filipino life shall be appointed to the
service.
Section 30. Categories of Officers and Employees. - The Service shall consist of the
following categories of officers and employees:
(1) Chiefs of Missions

(2) Counsellors
(3) Foreign Service Officers
(4) Foreign Service Staff Officers
(5) Foreign Service Staff Employees
(6) Honorary Consuls
(7) Alien Employees
Section 31. Foreign Service Officers. - There shall be a career service composed of
foreign service officers. The Service shall consist of six classes of Foreign Service
Officers including Chiefs of Missions and Counsellors.
(1) A Chief of Mission may be assigned as Ambassador Extraordinary and

Plenipotentiary, Head of an Office in the Department, or Deputy Chief of Mission.
(2) A Counsellor may be assigned as Executive Officer of an Office in the

Department, Counsellor in an Embassy, or Head of a Consular Post.
(3) The assignments of the other classes of Foreign Service Officers shall be as
follows:
Home Office Diplomatic Service Consular Service

Class I-Chief of
First Secretary Consul
Division
Class II -Chief of
Secondary Secretary Consul
Division
Class III -Chief of
Third Secretary Consul
Division
Class IV -Asst. Chief
Third Secretary Vice-Consul
of Division
(4) In the home office, assignment to a position requiring a rank higher than the
actual rank of the Foreign Service Officer shall be in an acting capacity.
(5) A Foreign Service Officer in any class may be designated as a special assistant to
the Secretary or to an Undersecretary. A Foreign Service Officer below the rank of
Class I may be designated as Principal Assistant to a Head of Office.
Section 32. Foreign Service Staff Officers. - There shall be three classes of Foreign
Service Staff Employees to provide the administrative and technical services.
Section 33. Foreign Service Staff Employees. - There shall be three classes of
Foreign Service Staff Employees to provide the clerical, custodial, messengerial and
similar services.
Section 34. Honorary Consuls. - Honorary consuls shall be appointed from among
qualified private persons to perform certain consular functions on a non-career
basis.
CHAPTER 10 - Appointment, Compensation and Benefits
Section 35. Foreign Service Officers. - (1) Foreign Service Officers shall be
appointed by the President.
(2) No person shall be eligible for appointment as Foreign Service Officers unless he
has passed the competitive examinations given by the Board of Foreign Service
Examiners and successfully completed his probationary service.
(3) The Secretary shall, upon the recommendation of the Board of Foreign Service,
submit to the President names of eligibles for appointment as Foreign Service
Officers. The initial appointment of Foreign Service Officers shall only be to Foreign
Service Officers Class IV minimum.
Section 36. Staff Officers and Employees. - The Secretary shall appoint, in
accordance with the Civil Service Law, all Foreign Service Officers and Foreign
Service Staff Employees who must be in the Philippines at the time of their original
or initial appointment.
Section 37. Alien Employees. - The Secretary shall, upon the recommendation of the
head of diplomatic or consular establishment and as much as possible in accordance
with the Civil Service Law, appoint alien employees who shall be recruited at the
post to supplement the regular staff of a foreign service establishment.
Section 38. Compensation and Benefits. - The salaries, allowances, travel expenses,
insurance and other benefits of Foreign Service Officers, and Employees shall be as
provided by law and regulations.
CHAPTER 11 - Promotions
Section 39. Merit Promotion System. - The Board of the Foreign Service shall
establish a merit promotion system for all officers and employees of the
Department.
Section 40. Requirements for Promotion in the Career Service. - (1) For promotion
to Chief of Mission Class I, the candidate must have served as a Chief of Mission
Class II and rendered continuous service as Foreign Service Officer for at least
twelve (12) years;
(2) For promotion to Chief of Mission Class II, the candidate must have served as a
Foreign Service Officer Class I and rendered continuous service as Foreign Service
Officer for at least ten years;
(3) For promotion to Foreign Service Officer Class I, the candidate must have served
as a Foreign Service Officer Class II, and rendered continuous service as Foreign
Service Officer for at least eight years;
(4) For promotion to Foreign Service Officer Class II, the candidate must have
served as Foreign Service Officer Class III, and rendered continuous service as
Foreign Service Officer for at least six years;
(5) For promotion to Foreign Service Officer Class III, the candidate must have
rendered continuous service as a Foreign Service Officer Class IV for at least two
years.
Section 41. Promotion of Foreign Service Officers. - (1) Promotions of Foreign

Service Officers from one class to the next higher class shall be made by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary. All promotions shall be to the
lowest grade of the class.
(2) Promotion in grade within the class shall be made by the Secretary upon the
recommendation of the Board of Foreign Service Administration.
Section 42. Promotion of Foreign Service Staff Officers, Foreign Service Staff
Employees and Alien Employees. - Promotions of foreign service staff officers and
employees and alien employees shall be made by the Secretary, upon
recommendation of the Board of the Foreign Service Administration in accordance
with the promotion system.
CHAPTER 12 - Assignments and Transfers
Section 43. Rotation Plan. - The secretary shall establish a system of assignments
and transfers to ensure that all qualified officers and employees, except the
employees in the non-career service, shall serve in diplomatic and consular
establishments in different regions of the world. The assignment and transfer of
personnel shall follow a regular rotation plan. For purposes of assignments, the
home office shall be considered a post. All personnel shall be available for
assignment to any post.
Section 44. Initial Home Office Requirement. - No Foreign Service Officer, Staff
Officer or Employee shall be assigned to any foreign service establishment unless he
has rendered continuous and satisfactory service in the home office for at least
three (3) years.
Section 45. Tour of Duty. - (1) The tour of duty of a Foreign Service Officer at any
post shall be four
(4) years commencing on the date of his arrival at the post, after which he shall be
transferred to another post;
(2) The tour of duty of a Foreign Service Staff Officer or Employee at any post shall
be for a period of six (6) years commencing on the date of his arrival at the post,
after which he shall be transferred to another post;
(3) No Foreign Service Officer, Staff Officer or Employee shall serve more than two
(2) consecutive tours of duty abroad;
(4) No Foreign Service Officer may serve more than four (4) consecutive years in
the home office, except when designated as Secretary or Undersecretary.
Section 46. Retirement. - (1) Any Foreign Service Officer, Staff Officer or Employee
who has reached the age of sixty-five (65) shall be compulsorily retired from the
services unless his service is extended by the President in the interest of the
service. Alien employees shall be allowed to retire from the service at the same age
as that provided for employees of the governments of their respective countries,
provided that retirement age shall not be beyond sixty-five (65) years.
(2) Foreign Service Officers reinstated to the service after retirement and who are
assigned abroad as ambassadors or chief of mission, and persons who are appointed
as ambassadors without previously serving as Career Foreign Service Officers shall
be considered automatically separated from the Foreign Service upon termination of
their assignment abroad as ambassadors or chief of missions.
Section 47. Resignation. - The Secretary shall have authority to accept the
resignation of any Foreign Service Officer, Staff Employee, Honorary Consul and
Alien Employee.
CHAPTER 13 - Passport
Section 48. Definition. - A Philippine passport is an official document of identity of

Philippine citizenship of the holder issued for travel purposes.
Section 49. Persons Entitled. - Only citizens of the Philippines may be issued
passports. A minor may, upon his own application, be issued a passport, except
when his natural or legal guardian requests that the application be denied.
Section 50. Authority to Issue, Restrict, Withdraw or Cancel. - The Secretary shall
have authority to withhold the issuance or order the cancellation or restriction of
passports upon lawful order of the court or when he deems it necessary in the
interest of national security, public safety or public health, or in cases when a
passport was secured through misrepresentation or fraud.
Section 51. Period of Validity, Extension and Renewal. - The original period of
validity of a Philippine passport is two (2) years. It may be extended for another two
(2) years provided that the application for extension is made before the expiration
of four (4) years from the date of original issue of the passport. However, the
validity of a passport may be limited for a certain period or for a definite purpose.
Section 52. Supplementary Regulation. - The Secretary may prescribe

supplementary regulations for the issuance, extension or amendment of all kinds of
passports.
Section 53. Amendments. - Upon application, an unexpired passport may be

amended to reflect the new civil status or new name or surname of the holder, or to
add more pages, or to modify a condition or restriction therein.
Section 54. Fees. - The Secretary shall prescribe uniform fees for the issuance,
extension and amendment of passports, and such other services that may be
rendered by the Department relating to passports. However, no fee shall be
collected for the issuance of passports to government officials proceeding abroad in
the discharge of their official duties attested by regular travel orders or for those
issued to immediate members of their families on official travel.
CHAPTER 14 - Miscellaneous
Section 55. Use of Savings. - The Secretary is authorized to use any savings in the
appropriations for the Department for the payment of: (a) expenses for the
evacuation or repatriation to the Philippines, when necessary due to an emergency,
of members of the household of the personnel of any diplomatic or consular
establishment as well as the transportation of their personal effects; (b) actual
return passage by the most direct and economical means of transportation and the
cost of shipment of the household effects to Manila of any officer or employee in the
Foreign Service, including the immediate dependent members of his family, who
resigns or is separated from the service for cause; (c) the cost of preparing and
transporting the remains of an officer or employee who is a citizen of the Philippines
and the immediate members of his family who may die abroad or while in travel
status; or (d) contingent and unforeseen expenses that may arise in connection with
the operation of the Foreign Service.
Section 56. Pool of Foreign Service Officers. - In all appropriation acts providing
funds for the operation and maintenance of the Department, the positions of Foreign
Service Officers, including those who may serve in the home office, shall be in a
pool grouped according to their classes with their salaries and allowances indicated
in one lump sum for each class, leaving to the head of office the discretion to assign
or commission those officers whenever their services may be utilized to advantage,
subject to the limitations provided by law.
Title II - FINANCE
CHAPTER 1 - General Provisions
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State that the Department of
Finance shall be primarily responsible for the sound and efficient management of the
financial resources of the Government, its subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall be responsible for the formulation,

institutionalization and administration of fiscal policies in coordination with other
concerned subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities of government.
Moreover, the Department shall be responsible for the generation and management
of the financial resources of the government, ensuring that said resources are
generated and managed judiciously and in a manner supportive of development
objectives.
The Department shall be responsible for the supervision of the revenue operations
of all local government units, with the objective of making these entities less
dependent on funding from the national government.
Finally, the Department shall be responsible for the review, approval and
management of all public sector debt, whether foreign or domestic, with the end in
view of ensuring that all borrowed funds are effectively utilized and all such
obligations are promptly serviced by the government.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its goals, the Department shall:
(1) Formulate long-range, medium-term and annual plans covering the

government's resources mobilization efforts, in coordination with other concerned
government agencies, and involving all public sector resources whether generated
by revenues and operations, foreign and domestic borrowing, sale or privatization of
corporations or assets, or from other sources, and supervise the implementation of
such plans;
(2) Formulate, institutionalize and administer fiscal and tax policies;
(3) Supervise, direct and control the collection of government revenues;
(4) Act as custodian and manage all financial resources of the national government;
(5) Undertake and supervise activities related to the negotiation, servicing and
restructuring of domestic and foreign debt incurred or guaranteed by the
government and its instrumentalities, including taking part in activities which affect
the country's capacity to service foreign debt;
(6) Review and coordinate the policies, plans and programs of government financial
institutions and, thereafter, recommend to them courses of action consistent with
national government fiscal policies, plans and programs;
(7) Ensure the implementation of necessary policies and measures on local revenue
administration;
(8) Coordinate with other government agencies on matters concerning fiscal and
monetary policies, credit, economic development, international finance, trade and
investment; and
(9) Perform such other powers and functions as may be provided by law.
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall consist of the

Department proper comprising the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the
Undersecretary and Assistant Secretaries, the Economic Intelligence and
Investigation Bureau, the Service, the Operations Groups and their constituent
units, and the Regional Offices.
Section 5. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall consist of the
Secretary, his Undersecretary and their immediate staffs.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by five (5)

Undersecretaries appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the
Secretary, each of whom shall head, respectively, the Policy Development and
Management Services Group mentioned in Section 8 hereof and the four (4)
Operations Groups mentioned in Section 9 hereof.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by five (5)
Assistant Secretaries appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the
Secretary. The respective assignments of the Assistant Secretaries and the reporting
procedures to be followed by them shall be determined by the Secretary.
Section 8. Policy Development and Management Services Group. - The Policy

Development and Management Services Group, which shall be headed by an
Undersecretary, shall consist of the following:
(1) Planning and Policy Research Office;

(2) Central Management Information Office;
(3) Central Administration Office;
(4) Central Financial Management Office;
(5) Public Information and Assistance Office;
(6) Legal Office; and
(7) Regional Coordination Office.
Section 9. Planning and Policy Research Office. - The Planning and Policy Research
Office shall have the following functions:
(1) Formulate long-range and annual projections of revenue needs, cash position
and borrowing capacity of the Government as basis for policy decisions of the
department;
(2) Supervise policy research and development on fiscal and tax measures
undertaken by the operating bureaus and offices of the department;
(3) Coordinate with other government agencies on policy research and its impact on
fiscal and tax measures; and
(4) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Secretary or his
undersecretaries.
Section 10. Central Management Information Office. - The Central Management

Information Office shall have the following functions:
(1) Establish a Management Information System and sub-systems for monitoring

and evaluation of department-wide programs and projects, including those that are
executed by operating Bureaus and Offices;
(2) Formulate policies, plans and procedures for data control and systems
management;
(3) Act as the central repository of existing and future computer files; and
(4) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the Secretary
or his undersecretaries.
Section 11. Central Administration Office. - The Central Administration Office shall
have the following functions:
(1) Supervise Department-wide services relating to internal cash management,

personnel administration, property and supplies procurement, and custody; and
maintenance of central files, and corresponding reporting systems;
(2) Assist in the formulation of policies and guidelines on the management of human
and physical resources and general housekeeping activities for uniformity and
standardization;
(3) Serve as a center for the establishment and periodic evaluation of management
operation systems, internal control and work outputs to determine Department-wide
performance efficiency;
(4) Design and develop training policies and guidelines, administer and evaluate
training programs and in coordination with external training institutions, screen and
recommend to the Secretary the participation of Department personnel in training
programs, seminars and conferences in the country or abroad;
(5) Ensure that Department-wide activities and efforts are focused towards a central
direction as embodied in the national socio-economic development plans; and
(6) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the Department
or his Undersecretaries.
Section 12. Central Financial Management Office. - The Central Financial

Management Office shall have the following functions:
(1) Supervise Department-wide activities relating to budget preparation and

management, department accounting, and internal audit;
(2) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the Department
or his Secretary or his Undersecretaries.
Section 13. Public Information and Assistance Office. - The Public Information and
Assistance Office shall have the following functions:
(1) Provide policy direction and guidance to the operating Bureaus and Offices of the
Department for the proper dissemination of appropriate information or Department-
wide programs, operations and activities;
(2) Provide the operating Bureaus and Offices with the general framework for
rendering direct assistance to the general public;
(3) Receive complaints and grievances from the general public; prepare referrals to
concerned Bureaus and Offices and monitor responses or actions taken; and
or Undersecretary for Policy Development and Management Service.
Section 14. Legal Office. - The Legal Office shall have the following functions:
(1) Prepare draft opinions or rulings for the signature of the Department Secretary
or his Undersecretaries on matters elevated to it by the Bureaus and Offices of the
Department;
(2) Conduct legal researches on all matters referred to it by the Secretary or his
Undersecretaries; and
Section 15. Regional Coordination Office. - The function of the Regional Coordination
Office is to coordinate the operations of the Regional Offices.
CHAPTER 4 - Bureaus
Section 16. Operations Groups. - The Operation Groups, each of which shall be
headed by an Undersecretary, shall consist of the following:
(1) Revenue Operations Group, composed of the following:
(a) Bureau of Internal Revenue;

(b) Bureau of Customs;
(c) Revenue Service;
(d) Legal Service;
(2) Domestic Operations Group, composed of the following:
(a) Bureau of Treasury;

(b) Bureau of Local Government Finance;
(c) Financial and Fiscal Policy and Planning Office;
(3) International Finance Group, composed of the following:
(a) International Finance Policy Office;
(b) International Finance Operations Office.
Section 17. Economic Intelligence and Investigation Bureau. - The Economic

Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, which shall be headed by and subject to the
supervision and control of the Commissioner, who shall in turn be appointed by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary, shall have the following
functions:
(1) Receive, gather and evaluate intelligence reports and information and evidence
on the nature, modes and extent of illegal activities affecting the national economy,
such as, but not limited to, economic sabotage, smuggling, tax evasion, and dollar-
salting, to investigate the same and aid in the prosecution of cases;
(2) Coordinate with external domestic or foreign agencies in monitoring the financial
and economic activities of persons or entities, which may adversely affect national
financial interest with the goal of regulating, controlling or preventing said activities;
(3) Provide all intelligence units of operating Bureaus or Offices under the
Department with the general framework and guidelines for the proper conduct of
intelligence and investigation work;
(4) Supervise, monitor and coordinate all the intelligence and investigation
operations of the operating Bureaus and Offices under the Department;
(5) Investigate, hear and file, upon clearance by the Secretary, anti-graft and
corruption cases against personnel of the Department and its constituent units; and
Section 18. The Bureau of Internal Revenue.* - The Bureau of Internal Revenue,
which shall be headed by and subject to the supervision and control of the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary shall have the following functions:
(1) Assess and collect all taxes, fees and charges and account for all revenues
collected;
(2) Exercise duly delegated police powers for the proper performance of its
functions and duties;
(3) Prevent and prosecute tax evasions and all other illegal economic
activities;
(4) Exercise supervision and control over its constituent and subordinate units;
and
The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, with the approval of the Secretary of

Finance, shall draft and prepare the necessary rules and regulation as may be
needed to delineate the authority and responsibility of the various groups and
services of the Bureau.
Section 19. Deputy Commissioners. - The Commissioner shall be assisted by two (2)
Deputy Commissioners. Each Deputy Commissioner shall supervise one (1) of the
groups defined in Sec. 20 below, to be assigned by the Commissioner.
Section 20. Composition of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. - The Bureau of Internal
Revenue shall be composed of the following:
(1) Assessment and Collection Group, headed and supervised by a Deputy

Commissioner and composed of the following services, each of which shall be
headed by a Revenue Chief;
(2) Legal and Internal Administration Group, headed and supervised by a Deputy
Commissioner and composed of the following services, each of which shall be
headed by a Service Chief.
Section 21. Appointment by the President. - The aforementioned Undersecretaries

shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary.
Section 22. Management and Technical Staff . - The Commissioner and the two (2)
Deputy Commissioners shall each have a Management and Technical Staff to render
technical and secretarial support services.
Section 23. Bureau of Customs. - The Bureau of Customs which shall be headed and
subject to the management and control of the Commissioner of Customs, who shall
be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary and
hereinafter referred to as Commissioner, shall have the following functions:
(1) Collect customs duties, taxes and the corresponding fees, charges and penalties;
(2) Account for all customs revenues collected;
(3) Exercise police authority for the enforcement of tariff and customs laws;
(4) Prevent and suppress smuggling, pilferage and all other economic frauds within
all ports of entry;
(5) Supervise and control exports, imports, foreign mails, and the clearance of
vessels and aircrafts in all ports of entry;
(6) Administer all legal requirements that are appropriate ;
(7) Prevent and prosecute smuggling and other illegal activities in all ports under its
jurisdiction;
(8) Exercise supervision and control over its constituent units;
Section 24. Composition. - The Bureau of Customs shall be composed of the

following:
(1) Customs Revenue Collection Monitoring Group, headed and supervised by a

Deputy Commissioner and composed of Legal, Financial and Collection
Services, each of which shall be headed by a service chief;
(2) Customs Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, headed and

supervised by a Deputy Commissioner and composed of the Imports and
Assessment and Ports Operations Services, each of which shall be headed by a
Service Chief; and
(3) Intelligence and Enforcement Group, headed and supervised by a Deputy

Commissioner and composed of the Intelligence and Investigation Service and
the Enforcement and Security Service.
Section 25. Appointment by President. - The aforementioned Deputy and
Assistant Commissioners shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Commissioner of Customs in keeping with the intent of
Executive Order No. 9.
Section 26. Definition of Functions. - (1) Customs Revenue Collection Monitoring

Group. The Customs Revenue Collection Monitoring Group shall have the following
functions:
(a) Maintain an updated accounting for all Customs revenues collected;

(b) Administer legal requirements of the Bureau of Customs to include
litigation and prosecution of cases;

(c) Provide the Commissioner of Customs with accurate and timely information
and analysis of collection statistics;
(d) Conduct continuing audit of liquidated entries and outstanding bonds; and
(e) Perform such other appropriate functions consistent with the assigned
tasks of the group and others which may be given by the Commissioner;
(2) Customs Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group. The Customs

Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group shall have the following functions:
(a) Regularly gather and upon approval of the Commissioner, publish values of
commodities imported into the Philippines, such values being the bases for the
computation of customs duties and other revenues;
(b) Monitor for decision-making purposes the implementation of rules and
regulations governing assessment, warehousing and support operations;
(c) Monitor auction and disposal activities together with port/airport operations
related activities for decision-making purposes; and
(d) Perform other appropriate functions consistent with the assigned tasks of
the Group which may be given by the Commissioner.
(3) Intelligence and Enforcement Group. The Intelligence and Enforcement Group
shall have the following functions:
(a) Regularly and consistently gather intelligence information related to

customs and economic activities for proper dissemination to the Customs
offices concerned;
(b) Conduct internal inquiry and investigation which may serve as the basis for
prosecution;
(c) Exercise police authority conferred by the Tariff and Customs Code or other
laws which include the enforcement of seizures and forfeitures and the
imposition of penalties and fines; and
(d) Perform such other appropriate functions consistent with the assigned
tasks of the Group and others which may be given by the Commissioner.
Section 27. The Collection Districts. - (1) The Bureau shall have thirteen (13)
Collection Districts under the direct control and supervision of the Commissioner.
Each Collection District shall have as many subports as necessary to maximize
revenue collection and the prevention of smuggling and fraud against customs. Each
Collection District shall be headed and supervised by a District Collector while each
subport will be headed by a Port Collector. The Collectors shall have the following
functions:
(a) Collect duties, taxes, fees, charges, penalties and fines accruing to the
Government under the Tariff and Customs Code and related laws;
(b) Exercise police powers conferred to him/her by the Tariff and Customs
Code or other laws which include the enforcement of penalties and fines;
(c) Examine goods, assess duties, fees, charges, penalties and fines accruing
to the Government under the Tariff and Customs Code and other related laws;
(d) Supervise the entrance and clearance of vessels and aircrafts engaged in
foreign commerce;
(e) Supervise and control handling of foreign mails arriving in the Philippines;
and
(f) Supervise all import and export cargoes landed and/or stored in piers,
airports, terminal facilities, yards and freight stations;
(2) Perform such other appropriate functions consistent with the assigned task of
the District/Port Collectors and those which may be given by the Commissioner.
Section 28. Management and Technical Staff . - The Commissioner and three (3)
Deputy Commissioners, and the Assistant Commissioner shall each have a
Management and Technical Staff, which shall be limited to a specific number of
personnel as determined by the Secretary, to render technical and secretarial
support services.
Section 29. Bureau of Treasury. - The Bureau of Treasury, which shall be headed by
and subject to the supervision and control of the National Treasurer who shall be
appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary, shall have
the following functions:
(1) Act as the principal custodian of all national government funds;

(2) Assist in the formulation of, and execute, policies on financial
management, public borrowings and capital market development;
(3) Formulate, in coordination with government agencies concerned, annual
projections of revenue needs, cash position and borrowing capacity of the
government;
(4) Maintain accounts of the financial transactions of all national secretaries,
bureaus, agencies and instrumentalities;
(5) Manage the cash resources of the Government and perform banking
functions in relation to receipts and disbursements of national funds;
(6) Manage, control and service public debts from domestic or foreign sources;
(7) Exercise line supervision over its Regional Offices/field units within
Department Regional Administrative Coordination Offices; and
(8) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the
Secretary or Undersecretary for Domestic Operations.
Section 30. Composition. - The Bureau of Treasury shall be composed of the

following:
(1) Internal Affairs Sub-Sector under the direct supervision and control of an
Assistant National Treasurer and composed of the following:
(a) Administrative Service;

(b) Financial and Management Service;
(c) Management Information and Data Systems Service;
(d) Planning and Policy Research Division;
(e) Public Information and Assistance Division; and
(f) Legal Division.
(2) National Government Affairs Sub-Sector under the direct supervision and control
of an Assistant National Treasurer and composed of the following:
(a) Public Debt Management Service;

(b) Debt Clearing Service;
(c) National Cash Accounts Service;
(d) Treasury Banking Service;

(e) Operations Planning Service;
(f) Regional Offices which shall have under their supervision all provincial
offices and shall be under the direct control and supervision of the National
Treasurer.
Section 31. Assistance to National Treasurer. - The National Treasurer shall be

directly assisted by the:
(1) Management and Technical Staff, which shall perform the functions of rendering
technical and secretarial support services;
(2) Intelligence and Investigation Office, which shall perform the following functions:
(a) Monitor, gather and evaluate reports on financial and economic activities of
persons or entities, foreign and domestic, which may adversely affect national
financial interests;
(b) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the National
Treasurer.
Section 32. Appointment by the President. - The aforementioned two (2) Assistant
National Treasurers shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of
the Secretary.
Section 33. Bureau of Local Government Finance. - The Bureau of Local Government
Finance, which shall be headed by and subject to the supervision and control of an
Executive Director who shall be appointed by the President and upon the
recommendation of the Secretary, shall have the following functions:
(1) Assist in the formulation and implementation of policies on local government

revenue administration and fund management;
(2) Exercise administrative and technical supervision and coordination over the
treasury and assessment operations of local governments;
(3) Develop and promote plans and programs for the improvement of resource
management systems, collection enforcement mechanisms, and credit utilization
schemes at the local levels;
(4) Provide consultative services and technical assistance to the local governments
and the general public on local taxation, real property assessment and other related
matters;
(5) Exercise line supervision over its Regional Offices/field units within the
Department Regional Administrative Coordination Office and the Local Treasury and
Assessment Services; and
or Undersecretary for Domestic Operations.
Section 34. Composition. - The Bureau of Local Government Finance shall be

composed of the following:
(1) Internal Administration Office;

(2) Policy Enforcement and Special Projects Group;
(3) Field Operations Examination Group
Section 35. Assistance to the Executive Director. - The Executive Director shall be
directly assisted by the:
(1) Management and Technical Staff, which shall perform the functions of
rendering technical and secretarial support services;
(2) Intelligence and Investigation Office, which shall perform the following
functions:
(a) Monitor, gather and evaluate reports on financial and economic activities of
persons or entities, foreign and domestic, which may adversely affect national
financial interests;
(b) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the
Director.
Section 36. Financial and Fiscal Policy Planning. - The Financial and Fiscal Policy and
Planning Office, which shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the
functions:
(1) Coordinate, in consultation with the appropriate government agencies, the

formulation of integrated financial and fiscal plans of the national Government and
the local government, consistent with the national development plan;
(2) Monitor and review the implementation of such financial and fiscal plans in
relation to recent developments in the economy;
(3) Coordinate with other government agencies involved in financial, fiscal and
economic planning and policy formulation;
(4) Undertake special studies and research projects on financial and fiscal policies;
(5) Coordinate the formulation and assessment of Department policies affecting

domestic finance operations with the different bureaus and offices of the
Department; and
(6) Perform such other appropriate functions as may be assigned by the Secretary,
the Undersecretary for Domestic Operations or the Assistant Secretary directly
assisting the Undersecretary for Domestic Operations.
Section 37. International Finance Policy Office. - The International Finance Policy
Office, headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President upon
recommendation of the Secretary, shall have the following functions:
(1) Monitor and analyze international monetary, financial and trade developments
and their implications for the Philippine economy and evolve proposals for
appropriate response to said events;
(2) Provide inputs into the formulation of fiscal, monetary, financial, foreign trade
and exchange rate policies as well as budgetary and balance of payments
programming in line with domestic economic goals and the external financial and
trade environment;
(3) Formulate and monitor a foreign financing program on the basis of domestic
requirements and trends in development assistance and other capital flows;
(4) Interact with multilateral, regional and other international organizations and
formulate in coordination with appropriate agencies Philippine positions on
institutional and policy issues taken up in these bodies;
(5) Coordinate with other appropriate secretaries and government agencies in areas
concerning international finance and foreign trade; and
or Undersecretary for International Finance.
Section 38. International Finance Operations Office. - The International Finance

Operations Office, headed by a Director, shall have the following functions:
(1) Assist in the formulation of policies and guidelines for foreign borrowings
including provision of government guarantees, and monitor compliance with these
policies;
(2) Provide support work for international financial negotiations and participate in
such negotiations with multilateral financial institutions, bilateral creditors and
donors and commercial creditors. This includes negotiations for new assistance
(grants and loans) as well as for debt rescheduling;
(3) Monitor implementation of projects funded by foreign assistance and credits,

utilization of such external resources and compliance with commitments as well as
debt repayment obligations;
(4) Assist in the structuring and conduct of international conferences and meetings
of the Department's officers (the term "officer" as used in this Executive Order is
intended to be within the meaning of the term "official" as used in the Freedom
Constitution) with foreign dignitaries or organizations; and
or Undersecretary for International Finance.
Section 39. Administrative Staff . - The Undersecretary for International Finance

shall be directly assisted by a Finance Attache Division and Administrative Staff.
CHAPTER 5 - Regional Offices
Section 40. Regional Offices. - There shall be a Regional Office in each region. Each
Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Director.
A Regional Office shall have, within its administrative region, the following functions:
(1) Implement laws, rules and regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects of
the Department;
(2) Provide efficient and effective services to the people;

(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices and agencies in
the region;
(4) Coordinate with local government units; and
Section 41. DOF-RACO. - For purposes of achieving maximum utilization of

resources, management coordination and administrative integration at the regional
levels, there is hereby created a Department of Finance Regional Administrative
Coordination Office (DOF-RACO) in each of the administrative regions of the country,
to be headed by a Regional Executive Director who shall report directly to the
Undersecretary for Internal Administration. The Secretary shall define the
appropriate functions to be delegated to the DOF-RACO.
The Regional Offices of each operating Bureau under the Department, however, shall
remain under the technical supervision and control of the head of the Bureau to
which they belong. For monitoring purposes, however, each Regional Office shall
submit operational reports to the DOF-RACO as required.
Section 42. Attached Agencies. - The following agencies are hereby attached to the
Department:
(1) Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation;

(2) Philippine Export and Foreign Loan Guarantee Corporation;
(3) Insurance Commission;
(4) National Tax Research Center;
(5) Central Board of Assessment Appeals; and
(6) Fiscal Incentives Review Board.
Section 43. Functions of the Attached Agencies. - The agencies attached to the
Department shall continue to operate and function in accordance with the respective
charters, laws, or orders creating them, except as otherwise provided in this Code.
Title III - JUSTICE
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to provide the
government with a principal law agency which shall be both its legal counsel and
prosecution arm; administer the criminal justice system in accordance with the
accepted processes thereof consisting in the investigation of the crimes, prosecution
of offenders and administration of the correctional system; implement the laws on
the admission and stay of aliens, citizenship, land titling system, and settlement of
land problems involving small landowners and members of indigenous cultural
minorities; and provide free legal services to indigent members of the society.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall carry out the policy declared in the
preceding section.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate, the Department shall
have the following powers and functions:
(1) Act as principal law agency of the government and as legal counsel and
representative thereof, whenever so required;
(2) Investigate the commission of crimes, prosecute offenders and administer the
probation and correction system;
(3) Extend free legal assistance/representation to indigents and poor litigants in

criminal cases and non-commercial civil disputes;
(4) Preserve the integrity of land titles through proper registration;
(5) Investigate and arbitrate untitled land disputes involving small landowners and
members of indigenous cultural communities;
(6) Provide immigration and naturalization regulatory services and implement the
laws governing citizenship and the admission and stay of aliens;
(7) Provide legal services to the national government and its functionaries, including
government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries; and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall consist of the following

constituent units:
(1) Department proper;

(2) Office of the Government Corporate Counsel;
(3) National Bureau of Investigation;
(4) Public Attorney's Office;
(5) Board of Pardons and Parole;
(6) Parole and Probation Administration;
(7) Bureau of Corrections;
(8) Land Registration Authority;
(9) Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems.
Section 5. The Department Proper. - The Department Proper shall be composed of

the Office of the Secretary and the Undersecretaries, Technical and Administrative
Service, Financial Management Service, Legal Staff and the Office of the Chief State
Prosecutor.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by three (3)

Undersecretaries. The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate and assign the
respective functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries, provided, that
such responsibility shall be with respect to the mandate and objectives of the
Department; and provided, further, that no Undersecretary shall be assigned
primarily administrative responsibilities. Within his functional area of responsibility,
an Undersecretary shall have the following functions:
(1) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of the
Department's policies, plans, programs and projects;
(2) Oversee the operational activities of the Department;
(3) Coordinate the programs and projects of the Department for efficient and
effective administration;
(4) Serve as deputy for the Secretary;
(5) Perform, when so designated, the powers and functions of the Secretary, during
the latter's absence or incapacity; and
(6) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the
Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of frontline
services.
Section 7. Legal Staff . - The Legal Staff shall have the following functions:
(1) Assist the Secretary in the performance of his duties as Attorney General of the
Philippines and as ex-officio legal adviser of government-owned or controlled
corporations or enterprises and their subsidiaries;
(2) Prepare and finally act for and in behalf of the Secretary on all queries and/or
requests for legal advice or guidance coming from private parties and minor officials
and employees of the government;
(3) Maintain and supervise the operation of the Department Law Library as well as
its personnel; and
(4) Perform such other functions as are now or may hereafter be provided by law or
assigned by the Secretary.
Section 8. Office of the Chief State Prosecutor. - The Office of the Chief State
Prosecutor shall have the following functions:
(1) Assist the Secretary in the performance of powers and functions of the
Department relative to its role as the prosecution arm of the government;
(2) Implement the provisions of laws, executive orders and rules, and carry out the
policies, plans, programs and projects of the Department relative to the
investigation and prosecution of criminal cases;
(3) Assist the Secretary in exercising supervision and control over the National
Prosecution Service as constituted under P. D. No. 1275 and/or otherwise
hereinafter provided; and
Secretary.
Section 9. Provincial/City Prosecution Offices. - The Provincial and City Fiscal's Office
established in each of the provinces and cities pursuant to law, is retained and
renamed Provincial/City Prosecution Office. It shall be headed by a Provincial
Prosecutor or City Prosecutor, as the case may be, assisted by such number of
Assistant Provincial/City Prosecutors as fixed and/or authorized by law. The position
titles of Provincial and City Fiscal and of Assistant Provincial and City Fiscal are
hereby abolished.
All provincial/city prosecution offices shall continue to discharge their functions

under existing law.
All provincial and city prosecutors and their assistants shall be appointed by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
CHAPTER 3 - Office of the Government Corporate Counsel
Section 10. Office of the Government Corporate Counsel. - The Office of the
Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) shall act as the principal law office of all
government-owned or controlled corporations, their subsidiaries, other corporate
off-springs and government acquired asset corporations and shall exercise control
and supervision over all legal departments or divisions maintained separately and
such powers and functions as are now or may hereafter be provided by law. In the
exercise of such control and supervision, the Government Corporate Counsel shall
promulgate rules and regulations to effectively implement the objectives of the
Office.
The OGCC is authorized to receive the attorney's fees adjudged in favor of their
client government-owned or controlled corporations, their subsidiaries/other
corporate offsprings and government acquired asset corporations. These attorney's
fees shall accrue to a special fund of the OGCC, and shall be deposited in an
authorized government depository as a trust liability and shall be made available for
expenditure without the need for a Cash Disbursement Ceiling, for purposes of
upgrading facilities and equipment, granting of employees' incentive pay and other
benefits, and defraying such other incentive expenses not provided for in the
General Appropriations Act as may be determined by the Government Corporate
Counsel.
CHAPTER 4 - National Bureau of Investigation
Section 11. National Bureau of Investigation. - The National Bureau of Investigation

(NBI) with all its duly authorized constituent units including its regional and district
offices and rehabilitation center, shall continue to perform the powers and functions
as are now vested in it under the existing law and such additional functions as may
hereafter be provided by law.
Section 12. The NBI Director and Other Officials. - The NBI shall be headed by a
Director assisted by an Assistant Director and five (5) Deputy Directors, for
Intelligence, Investigation, Technical, Administrative and Comptroller Services,
respectively.
The NBI is also authorized to continue the operation and maintenance of a Regional
Office in each of the twelve (12) administrative regions of the country, to be headed
by a Regional Director and assisted by an Assistant Regional Director.
Section 13. Internal Organization and Assignment of Personnel. - Subject to prior

approval of the Secretary and to the limitations prescribed in the General
Appropriations Act for personnel services expenditures in the NBI, the NBI director
may be authorized to determine the internal organization of the constituent units of
the Bureau including the composition and size thereof and the number, classes and
level of positions (below the rank of presidential appointees) to be assigned or

allocated thereto.
CHAPTER 5 - Public Attorneys Office
Section 14. Public Attorney's Office (PAO). - The Citizen's Legal Assistance Office
(CLAO) is renamed Public Attorney's Office (PAO). It shall exercise the powers and
functions as are now provided by law for the Citizen's Legal Assistance Office or may
hereafter be provided by law.
Section 15. Organizational Structure. - The PAO shall consist of the following
constituent units:
(1) Office of the Chief Public Attorney and two (2) Deputy Chief Public Attorneys;
(2) Five (5) line divisions in the Central Office, namely: Administrative, Financial and
Management, Special and Appealed Cases, Legal Research and Statistics, and Field
Services Divisions; and
(3) Regional and Provincial/District Offices.
Section 16. The Chief Public Attorney and Other PAO Officials. - The PAO shall be
headed by a Chief Public Attorney and shall be assisted by two (2) Deputy Chief
Public Attorneys. Each PAO Regional Office established in each of the administrative
regions of the country shall be headed by a Regional Public Attorney who shall be
assisted by an Assistant Regional Public Attorney.
The Chief Public Attorney, Deputy Chief Public Attorneys, Regional Public Attorneys
and Assistant Regional Public Attorneys shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary.
CHAPTER 6 - Board of Pardons and Parole
Section 17. Board of Pardons and Parole. - The Board of Pardons and Parole shall
continue to discharge the powers and functions as provided in existing law and such
additional functions as may be provided by law.
Section 18. Board Composition. - The Board shall be composed of the Secretary as
Chairman and six (6) members consisting of: The Administrator of the Parole and
Probation Administration as ex-officio member, a sociologist, a clergyman, an
educator, a person with training and experience in correction work, and a member of
the Philippine Bar; Provided, that one of them is a woman. The members of the
Board shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the
Secretary and shall hold office for a term of six (6) years, without prejudice to
reappointment.
In case of vacancy by reason of death, incapacity, resignation or removal of any of

the Board members, the Secretary shall have the authority to designate a
temporary member possessing the qualifications of his predecessor and to serve out
his unexpired term or until the President shall have appointed a regular member to
fill the vacancy.
Section 19. Executive Director and Board Secretary; Support Staff . - In the
performance of his duties as Chairman of the Board of Pardons and Parole, the
Secretary shall be assisted by a staff headed by the Executive Director who is at the
same time the Secretary of the Board. The Executive Director shall be appointed by
the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary. The Executive Director
shall receive a monthly salary of thirteen thousand five hundred pesos.
The Board Secretary shall prepare and keep the minutes of all the board sessions in
a book of records kept for the purpose, as well as all the resolutions and
recommendations of the Board on all actions involving parole, pardons and
executive clemency to the President; authenticate and/or attest all minutes,
resolutions and recommendations of the Board; prepare and serve all notices of
board meetings or sessions to the members of the Board; prepare an annual report
of all resolutions and recommendations for parole or executive clemency and other
reports that the Department may require. He shall also perform such other functions
as the Board may from time to time assign to him.
Section 20. Board Meetings. - The Board shall meet regularly every week, or as the
Board may direct, or upon call by the Chairman/Secretary. The members shall act
only as a Board, and every decision of the majority shall be valid as an act of the
Board, provided, that the Board may direct a Board member to prepare and submit
a report involving any application for parole, pardon or any request for executive
clemency for appropriate action by the Board.
Section 21. Board Rules and Regulations. - The Board is hereby authorized to
establish and prescribe, subject to the approval of the Secretary, rules and
regulations to govern the proceedings of the Board.
Section 22. Indeterminate Sentence Law. - The provisions of Act No. 4103,
otherwise known as the Indeterminate Sentence Law, as amended, shall continue to
apply except as otherwise amended, modified or repealed by this Code.
CHAPTER 7 - Parole and Probation Administration
Section 23. Parole and Probation Administration. - The Parole and Probation
Administration hereinafter referred to as the Administration shall have the following
functions:
(1) Administer the parole and probation system;

(2) Exercise general supervision over all parolees and probationers;
(3) Promote the correction and rehabilitation of offenders; and
(4) Such other functions as may hereafter be provided by law.
Section 24. Structural and Personnel Organization. - (1) The Administration shall be
headed by an Administrator who shall be immediately assisted by a Deputy
Administrator. The Administrator and Deputy Administrator shall be appointed by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
The appointees to the positions of Administrator and Deputy Administrator must be

holders of a doctoral/masteral degree in public administration and/or lawyers with at
least one year of supervisory experience in probation work.
(2) The Administration shall have a Technical Service under the Office of the
Administrator which shall serve as the service arm of the Board of Pardons and
Parole in the supervision of parolees and pardonees.
The Board and the Administration shall jointly determine the staff complement of
the Technical Service.
(3) The Administration shall likewise continue to operate and maintain a Regional
Office in each of the administrative regions including the National Capital Region and
also a probation and parole office in every province and city of the country.
The Regional, Provincial and City Offices of the Administration shall each be headed
by a Regional Probation and Parole Officer, Provincial/City Probation and Parole
Officer, respectively, all of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the
recommendation of the Administrator.
The Provincial or City Probation and Parole Officer shall be assisted by such field
assistants and subordinate personnel as may be necessary to enable them to carry
out their duties and functions. For this purpose, the Administrator may appoint
citizens of good repute and probity to act as Probation and Parole Aides who shall
not receive any regular compensation for their services except reasonable travel
allowance.
Section 25. Applicability of P.D. No. 968, as amended. - The Provisions of P.D. 968
otherwise known as the Probation Law of 1976 shall continue to govern the
operation and management of the Administration including the enumeration of
functions and qualifications for appointment of the Administrator, Deputy
Administrators, Regional, Provincial and City Probation Officers and their assistants
and other subordinate personnel not inconsistent with this title.
CHAPTER 8 - Bureau of Corrections
Section 26. Bureau of Corrections. - The Bureau of Corrections shall have its
principal task the rehabilitation of prisoners. The Bureau of Corrections shall
exercise such powers and functions as are now provided for the Bureau of Prisons or
may hereafter be provided by law.
Section 27. Structural and Personnel Organization. - The Bureau of Corrections shall
be headed by a Director who shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors, one
for Administration and Rehabilitation and one for Prisons and Security. The Director
and Assistant Directors of the Bureau shall be appointed by the President upon
The Bureau shall carry out its functions through its divisions and its seven (7) Penal
institutions namely - New Bilibid Prisons, Correctional Institution for Women, Iwahig,
Davao, San Ramon and Sablayan Prisons and Penal Farms and the Leyte Regional
Prisons.
CHAPTER 9 - Land Registration Authority
Section 28. The Land Registration Authority. - The Land Registration Authority,
hereinafter referred to as the Authority shall continue to exercise its powers and
functions under existing law on the Land Titles and Deeds Registration Authority and
those which may hereafter be provided by law.

Section 29. Organizational Structure. - The Authority shall be headed by an
Administrator who shall be assisted by two (2) Deputy Administrators, all of whom
shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
Section 30. Reorganization of Registry Offices in the National Capital Region. - The
Registries of Deeds in the National Capital Region is hereby reorganized as follows:
(1) The Registries of Deeds in the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasay and Caloocan shall
be maintained;
(2) There is hereby created Registries of Deeds in the Municipalities of Navotas,

Malabon, Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Marikina, Las Piñas and Parañaque
with jurisdiction over their respective municipalities;
(3) The Registry of Deeds of Pasig shall be maintained with jurisdiction over the
Municipalities of Pasig, Taguig and Pateros; and
(4) The Registry of Deeds of Makati shall have jurisdiction over the municipalities of
Makati and Muntinlupa.
CHAPTER 10 - Bureau of Immigration
Section 31. Bureau of Immigration. - The Bureau of Immigration is principally

responsible for the administration and enforcement of immigration, citizenship and
alien admission and registration laws in accordance with the provisions of the
Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended (C.A. No. 613, as amended). The
following units shall comprise the structural organization of the Bureau:
(1) Office of the Commissioner and Associate Commissioners;
(2) Board of Commissioners - composed of the Commissioner as Chairman and two

(2) Associate Commissioners as members; and
(3) Boards of Special Inquiry which are authorized to be organized in the

Commission pursuant to the provisions of the Immigration Act of 1940, as amended.
Subject to the provisions of existing law, the Secretary is hereby authorized to

review, revise and/or promulgate new rules and regulations to govern the conduct
of proceedings in the Board of Commissioners and the Boards of Special Inquiry,
including the determination of the size and number of the support staff to be
assigned thereat.
The Bureau shall be headed by a Commissioner assisted by two Associate

Commissioners, all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the
The Commissioner and the two Associate Commissioners shall compose the Board of
Commissioners, a collegial body hereby granted exclusive jurisdiction over all
deportation cases. The Board shall also have appellate jurisdiction over decisions of
the Boards of Special Inquiry and shall perform such other functions as may be
provided by law.
Each Board of Special Inquiry shall be composed of a Chairman and two members
who shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the recommendation of the
Commissioner.
Likewise, the appointment of all the other personnel of the Bureau including the
designation of Acting Immigration Officers shall be vested in the Secretary upon the
recommendation of the Commissioner.
CHAPTER 11 - Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems
Section 32. Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems. - The Commission on

the Settlement of Land Problems shall be responsible for the settlement of land
problems involving small landowners and members of cultural minorities. It shall
also perform such other functions, as are now or may hereafter be provided by law.
Section 33. Structure and Personnel Organization. - The Commission, as a collegial

body, shall be composed of the Commissioner and two Associate Commissioners. For
administrative purposes, the Commissioner shall be the head of the Commission and
the two Associate Commissioners shall be his immediate assistants.
The Commissioner and the two Associate Commissioners shall be appointed by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary. They shall have the same
qualifications for appointment and receive a salary, retirement benefits, longevity
pay and other privileges equivalent to that of an Associate Justice of the Court of
Appeals and a Judge of the Regional Trial Court, respectively, as provided in E.O. No.
561.
The Commission shall have a technical staff which shall be headed by an Executive
Director and assisted by a Deputy Executive Director who shall both be appointed by
the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary. All the other members of
the technical staff shall be appointed by the Secretary upon the recommendation of
the Commissioner.
When conditions in any province so warrant, the Commission may, subject to the
approval of the Secretary, establish regional and provincial offices thereat which
shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be assigned to it by
the Commission.
CHAPTER 12 - Office of the Solicitor General
Section 34. Organizational Structure. - The Office of the Solicitor General shall be an
independent and autonomous office attached to the Department of Justice.
The Office of the Solicitor General shall be headed by the Solicitor General, who is
the principal law officer and legal defender of the Government. He shall have the
authority and responsibility for the exercise of the Office's mandate and for the
discharge of its duties and functions, and shall have supervision and control over the
Office and its constituent units.
The Solicitor General shall be assisted by a Legal Staff composed of fifteen (15)
Assistant Solicitors General, and such number of Solicitors and Trial Attorneys as
may be necessary to operate the Office, which shall be divided into fifteen (15)
divisions: Provided, That the Solicitor General may assign or transfer the Assistant
Solicitors General, Solicitors or Trial Attorneys to any of the divisions.
Section 35. Powers and Functions. - The Office of the Solicitor General shall
represent the Government of the Philippines, its agencies and instrumentalities and
its officials and agents in any litigation, proceeding, investigation or matter requiring
the services of lawyers. When authorized by the President or head of the office
concerned, it shall also represent government-owned or controlled corporations. The
Office of the Solicitor General shall constitute the law office of the Government and,
as such, shall discharge duties requiring the services of lawyers. It shall have the
following specific powers and functions:
(1) Represent the Government in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals in all
criminal proceedings; represent the Government and its officers in the Supreme
Court, the Court of Appeals, and all other courts or tribunals in all civil actions and
special proceedings in which the Government or any officer thereof in his official
capacity is a party.
(2) Investigate, initiate court action, or in any manner proceed against any person,
corporation or firm for the enforcement of any contract, bond, guarantee, mortgage,
pledge or other collateral executed in favor of the Government. Where proceedings
are to be conducted outside of the Philippines the Solicitor General may employ
counsel to assist in the discharge of the aforementioned responsibilities.
(3) Appear in any court in any action involving the validity of any treaty, law,
executive order or proclamation, rule or regulation when in his judgment his
intervention is necessary or when requested by the Court.
(4) Appear in all proceedings involving the acquisition or loss of Philippine

citizenship.
(5) Represent the Government in all land registration and related proceedings.
Institute actions for the reversion to the Government of lands of the public domain
and improvements thereon as well as lands held in violation of the Constitution.
(6) Prepare, upon request of the President or other proper officer of the National
Government, rules and guidelines for government entities governing the preparation
of contracts, making of investments, undertaking of transactions, and drafting of
forms or other writings needed for official use, with the end in view of facilitating
their enforcement and insuring that they are entered into or prepared conformably
with law and for the best interests of the public.
(7) Deputize, whenever in the opinion of the Solicitor General the public interest
requires, any provincial or city fiscal to assist him in the performance of any function
or discharge of any duty incumbent upon him, within the jurisdiction of the aforesaid
provincial or city fiscal. When so deputized, the fiscal shall be under the control and
supervision of the Solicitor General with regard to the conduct of the proceedings
assigned to the fiscal, and he may be required to render reports or furnish
information regarding the assignment.
(8) Deputize legal officers of government departments, bureaus, agencies and

offices to assist the Solicitor General and appear or represent the Government in
cases involving their respective offices, brought before the courts, and exercise
supervision and control over such legal officers with respect to such cases.
(9) Call on any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the

Government for such service, assistance and cooperation as may be necessary in
fulfilling its functions and responsibilities and for this purpose enlist the services of
any government official or employee in the pursuit of his tasks.
Departments, bureaus, agencies, offices, instrumentalities and corporations to

whom the Office of the Solicitor General renders legal services are authorized to
disburse funds from their sundry operating and other funds for the latter Office. For
this purpose, the Solicitor General and his staff are specifically authorized to receive
allowances as may be provided by the Government offices, instrumentalities and
corporations concerned, in addition to their regular compensation.
(10) Represent, upon the instructions of the President, the Republic of the
Philippines in international litigations, negotiations or conferences where the legal
position of the Republic must be defended or presented.
(11) Act and represent the Republic and/or the people before any court, tribunal,
body or commission in any matter, action or proceeding which, in his opinion, affects
the welfare of the people as the ends of justice may require; and
Section 36. Appointments. - The Solicitor General shall be appointed by the

President and shall have the same qualifications for appointment, rank,
prerogatives, and privileges as those of the Presiding Justice of the Court of
Appeals.
The Assistant Solicitors General and the Solicitors shall be appointed by the
President upon recommendation of the Solicitor General. The Trial Attorneys and
administrative personnel in the Office of the Solicitor General shall be appointed by
the Solicitor General.
Section 37. Acting Solicitor General. - In case of absence or temporary incapacity of

the Solicitor General, the President shall designate an Acting Solicitor General. In
case of death, permanent incapacity, removal or resignation of the Solicitor General,
or vacancy thereof, the President shall designate an Acting Solicitor General, who
shall act as such until a new Solicitor General is appointed, or appoint a new
Solicitor General.
Title IV - AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 1 - General Provision
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall promote the well being of farmers,
including share tenants, leaseholders, settlers, fishermen, and other rural workers
by providing an environment in which they can increase their income, improve their
living conditions, and maximize their contributions to the national economy. Toward
this end, the State shall accelerate agricultural development and enhance the
production of agricultural crops, fisheries, and livestock by optimizing the use of
resources and by applying modern farming systems and technology in order to

attain food security for domestic use and expand and diversify agricultural
production for export. It shall also encourage private initiative in agri-business
ventures both in the production and in the exportation and importation of food and
other allied commodities.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department is the government agency responsible for the
promotion of agricultural development by providing the policy framework, public
investments, and support services needed for domestic and export-oriented
business enterprises.
In the fulfillment of this mandate, it shall be the primary concern of the Department
to improve farm income and generate work opportunities for farmers, fishermen,
and other rural workers. It shall encourage people's participation in agricultural
development through sectoral representation in agricultural policy-making bodies so
that the policies, plans, and programs of the Department are formulated and
executed to satisfy their needs.
It shall ensure social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of
agricultural resources.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department shall:
(1) Provide integrated services to farmers, fishermen, and other food producers on
production, utilization, conservation, and disposition of agricultural and fishery
resources;
(2) Be responsible for the planning, formulation, execution, regulation, and

monitoring of programs and activities relating to agriculture, food production and
supply;
(3) Promulgate and enforce all laws, rules and regulations governing the
conservation and proper utilization of agricultural and fishery resources;
(4) Establish central and regional information systems to serve the production,
marketing, and financing date requirements of the farmers as well as domestic and
foreign investors in agribusiness ventures;
(5) Provide comprehensive and effective extension services and training to farmers
and other agricultural entrepreneurs on the production, marketing, and financing
aspects of agricultural enterprises;
(6) Conduct, coordinate, and disseminate research studies on appropriate

technologies for the improvement and development of agricultural crops, fisheries,
and other allied commodities;
(7) Provide the mechanism for the participation of farmers, fishermen, and
entrepreneurs at all levels of policy-making, planning and program formulation;
(8) Coordinate with and enlist other public and private agencies for cooperation and
assistance on matters affecting the policies, plans and programs of the Department;

Department Proper, the Bureaus, and the Regional, Provincial, Municipal, and
Barangay Offices.
The Department Proper shall consist of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries and their immediate staffs as determined
by them respectively, and the Department Services.
The Department Services and Bureaus shall be grouped as follows: (1) Production
Group; (2) Research, Training and Extension Group; (3) Agri-Business Group; (4)
Planning and Monitoring Group; and (5) Support Group.
Secretary and his immediate staff as determined by him.
Section 6. Assistant to the Secretary. - The Secretary shall be assisted by five (5)
Undersecretaries, seven (7) Assistant Secretaries, and the heads of the National
Food Authority and the Philippine Coconut Authority who shall have the rank of
Undersecretaries.
Section 7. Undersecretaries. - The Undersecretaries shall assist the Secretary in the

exercise of the mandate and in the discharge of the powers and functions of the
Department.
The five (5) Undersecretaries shall be assigned the following functions:
(1) The Undersecretary assigned to Regional Operations shall oversee the

implementation of the agricultural plans, policies, programs, and projects of the
regional and field offices of the Department;
(2) The Undersecretary assigned to Staff Operations shall provide staff support
services, particularly in administration and finance, production, research, training,
and extension;
(3) The Undersecretary assigned to Policy and Planning shall provide policy and
planning support services, particularly in policy-formulation, planning, and agri-
business;
(4) The Undersecretary assigned to Attached Agencies shall exercise supervision

over the attached agencies to ensure that their operations are in conformity with the
approved plans and policies of the Department;
(5) The Undersecretary assigned to Special Concerns shall develop and implement
agricultural policies and priority projects aimed at improving the quality of life of
disadvantaged and cultural community groups living in lowland and upland areas. In
addition, he shall handle other special projects as may be identified or directed by
the Department Secretary.
Section 8. Functions of the Undersecretaries. - With respect to his area of

responsibility, an Undersecretary shall have the following functions:
(1) Advise the Secretary in the promulgation of orders and other issuances, with
respect to his area of responsibility;
(2) Exercise supervision and control over the offices, services, operating units, and
officers and employees under his responsibility;
(3) Promulgate rules and regulations, consistent with the policies of the Department
that will efficiently and effectively govern the activities of the units under his
responsibility;
(4) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under his responsibility with
those of other units under the responsibility of the other Undersecretaries;
(5) Exercise delegated authority on matters related to the functions and activities of
the units under his responsibility to the extent granted by the Secretary; and
Secretary.
Section 9. Functions of the Assistant Secretaries. - Each of the seven (7) Assistant
Secretaries shall head any of the following: Production Group, Agri-Business Group,
Research, Training and Extension Group, Planning and Monitoring Group, Support
Group, Foreign Assisted Projects and the Regional Operations. In connection
therewith, the Assistant Secretaries shall have the following functions:
(1) The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Production Group shall be responsible
for providing services relating to planning, programming, and project development
of agricultural production. This group shall consist of the Bureau of Animal Industry,
Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Bureau of
Soils and Water Management;
(2) The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Agri-Business Group shall be responsible
for assisting farmers and other agri-business ventures by providing marketing
assistance and investment information. This group shall consist of the Marketing
Assistance Services and the Agri-Business Investment Information Services;
(3) The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Research, Training and Extension Group
shall be responsible for conducting research and training as well as providing
assistance in the establishment of agricultural cooperatives. This group shall be
composed of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Agricultural Training
Institute (ATI), and Bureau of Agricultural Cooperatives Development (BACOD);
(3) The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Planning and Monitoring Group shall
take charge of developing, integrating, monitoring and evaluating all plans and
programs of the Department and shall collect, monitor, and publish agricultural
statistics for the Department and its clientele. This group shall be composed of the
Planning and Monitoring Services, Computer Services, and Bureau of Agricultural
Statistics;
(5) The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Support Group shall take charge of
providing staff support services in finance, administration, and management. This
shall be composed of the Financial and Management Services, the Legal Services,
and the Administrative Services;
(6) The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Foreign Assisted Projects shall be
responsible for the negotiation and implementation of foreign assisted projects of
the Department;
(7) The Assistant Secretary assigned to Regional Operations shall assist the
Undersecretary for Regional Operations in the supervision of regional offices,
including the coordination and implementation of Department plans, policies and
programs.
The seven (7) Assistant Secretaries shall, in addition to the abovementioned duties,
perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Secretary. They may also
be assigned or placed under the supervision of the Undersecretaries at the
discretion of the Secretary.
Section 10. Planning and Monitoring Service. - The Planning and Monitoring Service
shall be responsible for the formulation and integration of plans and programs,
emanating from all units of the Department, including the Bureau, Regional Offices
and Attached Agencies. It shall also be responsible for data analysis and monitoring
of the implementation of said plans and programs through its management
information system.
Section 11. Computer Service. - The Computer Service shall be responsible for the
development and maintenance of the electronic data processing requirements of the
Department.
Section 12. Financial and Management Service. - The Financial and Management
Service shall provide services relating to budgeting, accounting and management.
Section 13. Administrative Service. - The Administrative Service shall be responsible

for providing personnel, records, information, training and other general services.
Section 14. Legal Service. - The Legal Service shall handle the legal requirements
including those pertaining to the quasi-judicial and regulatory functions of the
Department Proper and its Bureaus.
Section 15. Agribusiness Investment Information Service. - The Agribusiness

Investment Information Service shall conduct research, gather and collate data
related to agribusiness such as laws and regulations, taxation, production
technologies, market strategies, competition, foreign assistance, grants, credit, and
new venture considerations relating to agribusiness and shall package information
on agribusiness investment opportunities and provide sample feasibility studies for
different agricultural products and markets.
Section 16. Marketing Assistance Service. - The Marketing Assistance Service shall
be responsible for identifying markets for Philippine agricultural products and shall
assist in the planning of market centers, marketing channels, and distribution
networks.
Section 17. Department Services Head. - Each of the Services of the Department
shall be headed by a Staff Director.
CHAPTER 4 - Bureaus and Offices
Section 18. Bureau of Animal Industries. - The Bureau of Animal Industry shall:
(1) Formulate programs for the development and expansion of the livestock, poultry,
and dairy industries to meet the requirements of the growing populace;
(2) Recommend the specific policies and procedures governing the flow of livestock
products through the various stages of marketing, as well as the proper
preservation and inspection of such products;
(3) Coordinate and monitor the activities and projects relating to livestock and allied
industries;
(4) Prescribe standards for quality in the manufacture, importation, labelling,

advertising, distribution, and sale of livestock, poultry, and allied industries; and
(5) For its own sector, recommend plans, programs, policies, rules and regulations
to the Secretary and provide technical assistance in the implementation of the
same.
Section 19. Bureau of Plant Industry. - The Bureau of Plant Industry shall:
(1) Be responsible for the production of improved planting materials, protection of

agricultural crops from pests and diseases, and development and improvement of
farm equipment and other structures related to the plant industry;
(2) Prepare a program for the selection, production and certification of improved
planting materials as well as guidelines for its implementation;
(3) Recommend plant quarantine policies, and prescribe rules and regulations for
the prevention, control, and eradication of pests, diseases, and injuries to plants and
plant products; and
same.
Section 20. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. - The Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources shall:
(1) Formulate plans for the proper management, accelerated development, and
proper utilization of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;
(2) Undertake studies on the economics of the various phases of the fishing
industry, which studies shall form the bases for the formulation of policies and
programs on fisheries and aquatic resources;
(3) Render technical assistance and advisory services in the proper procurement,
construction and operation of the fishing vessels as well as determination and
designation of fish landing points for all commercial fishing boats; and
same.
Section 21. Bureau of Soils and Water Management. - The Bureau of Soils and
Water Management shall:
(1) Advise and render assistance on matters relative to the utilization and
management of soils and water as vital agricultural resources;
(2) Formulate measures and guidelines for effective soil, land, and water resource
utilization, as well as soil conservation in croplands and other agricultural areas;
(3) Undertake soil research programs;
(4) Coordinate with the relevant government agencies in resettlement areas and
prepare the necessary plans for the provision of technical assistance in solving soil
impounding and the prevention of soil erosion, fertility preservation, and other
related matters;
(5) Engage in rainmaking projects for agricultural areas and watersheds to solve the
problem of prolonged droughts and minimize their effects on standing agricultural
crops; and
same.
Section 22. Bureau of Agricultural Research. - The Bureau of Agricultural Research

shall:
(1) Ensure that all agricultural research is coordinated and undertaken for maximum
utility to agriculture;
(2) Tap farmers, farmers' organizations, and research institutions, especially the
state colleges and universities, in the conduct of research for use of the Department
and its clientele, particularly the farmers, fishermen and other rural workers.
Section 23. Bureau of Agricultural Cooperatives and Development. - The Bureau of

Agricultural Cooperatives and Development shall:
(1) Formulate an integrated system for development and evaluation of agricultural

cooperatives;
(2) Provide advice and assistance in the establishment of agricultural cooperatives in

the rural communities; and
(3) Evolve a program to promote the economic viability of agricultural cooperatives.

The Bureau shall include in its area of responsibility non-agricultural cooperatives.
Section 24. Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. - The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

shall:
(1) Be mainly responsible for the collection, compilation, and official release of
agricultural statistics;
(2) Exercise technical supervision over data collection centers;
(3) Coordinate all agricultural statistics and economic research activities of all
bureaus, corporations and offices under the Department.
Section 25. Agricultural Training Institute. - The Agricultural Training Institute shall:
(1) Be responsible for the training of all agricultural extension workers and their
clientele, who are mostly farmers and other agricultural workers;
(2) Ensure that training programs address the real needs of the agricultural sectors;
and
(3) Ensure that the research results are communicated to the farmers through the
appropriate training and extension activities.
Section 26. Functions. - The Department of Agriculture is authorized to establish,

operate, and maintain a Regional Office in each of the administrative regions of the
country. Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Director, to be assisted
by three (3) Assistant Regional Directors, assigned to Operations, Research, and
Support Services, respectively. Each Regional Office shall have, within its
administrative regions, the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) Provide efficient and effective frontline services to the people;
(2) Implement and enforce in its area the laws and policies, plans, programs,
projects, rules, and regulations issued by the Department including plant and animal
quarantine laws, rules and regulations;
the region;
(5) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned

appropriately by the Secretary.
At the provincial level, policies, plans, programs, projects, laws, rules, and
regulations of the Department shall be implemented by the Provincial Agriculture
and Fisheries Officer and, at the municipal and barangay levels, by the Municipal
Agriculture and Fisheries Office.
Section 27. Importation of Plants and Plant Products. - Subject to such special
quarantine orders, rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Secretary of
Agriculture upon recommendation of the Plant Quarantine Board, it is prohibited to

import or introduce into the Philippines, plants, plant products, soil or packing
materials of plants capable of harboring plant pests or being a source or medium of
infection or infestation of plants by pests. For purposes of this Chapter, the term
"plants" shall refer to living plants and any part thereof, while "plant products" shall
mean products derived from plants either in their natural state or processed form.
Section 28. Importation of Potential Animal Pests. - The importation of certain

species of animals which are liable to become agricultural crop pests and capable of
causing injury to agricultural crops is hereby prohibited, except in limited quantities
for justifiable purposes and upon written permission from the Regional Director
concerned or other official of the Department who may be authorized by the
Secretary of Agriculture.
Section 29. Plants, Plant Products, and Other Materials in Transit. - Commodities
mentioned under the next two preceding sections, including food provisions and
ornaments on board carriers that are in transit, shall be required to get a clearance
from the Plant Quarantine Officer assigned at the port concerned.
Section 30. Exportation of Plants and Plant Products. - The Regional Director
concerned, the Plant Quarantine Officer or other officials of the Department who
may be authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture shall cause the inspection and
certification of all plants, plant products and other related materials for exportation,
capable of harboring plant pests, if the importing country so requires.
Section 31. Inspection of Plants, Plant Products, Potential Animal Pests, and Other
Materials. - The Regional Director concerned or other officials of the Department
who may be authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture shall cause the appropriate
inspection of the commodities mentioned in the next four preceding sections and
apply the necessary plant quarantine measures in order to attain the objectives of
this Chapter.
Section 32. Domestic Quarantine of Plants and Plant Products. - In order to prevent
and arrest the spread to other areas of injurious plant pests existing in certain
localities within the Philippines, the Regional Director concerned, the Plant
Quarantine Officer or other officials of the Department who may be authorized by
the Secretary of Agriculture shall cause the inspection, treatment and certification of
plants and plant products involved in movement from one locality to another within
the country.
Section 33. Appointment of Plant Quarantine Officers. - The Secretary shall, upon
recommendation of the Regional Director concerned and in consultation with the
Director of Plant Industry, appoint Plant Quarantine Officers to act as his
representatives in implementing and enforcing the provisions of this Chapter.
Section 34. Powers and Duties and Plant Quarantine Officers. - The Plant Quarantine
Officers shall have authority to:
(1) Inspect all carriers, passengers, crew, luggage and incoming mails to determine
the presence of plants, plant products and other materials capable of harboring
plant pests as well as potential animal pests;
(2) Enter into and inspect any and all areas where plants, plant products and other
materials capable of harboring plant pests are landed, stored or grown;
(3) Examine imported plants, plant products, and other materials capable of
harboring plant pests as well as potential animal pests and administer necessary
measures to insure effective implementation of the provisions of this Chapter;
(4) Inspect, administer treatment and certify plants, plant products and other
related materials intended for export, if the importing country so requires;
(5) Confiscate and destroy or refuse entry of plants, plant products and potential
animal pests involved in prohibited importations and deny inspection, certification or
clearance of the same; and
(6) Perform such other related duties as may be provided by law.
Section 35. Non-Liability Clause. - (1) All charges for storage, demurrage, cartage,
labor and delays incident to inspection, cost of disinfection or disinfestation and
other post-entry requirements shall be paid by the importer or exporter as the case
may be.
(2) The Regional Director and the authorized officials of the Department shall not be
held liable for damages to the commodity in the course of the implementation of the
provisions of this Chapter.
Section 36. Duties of Importer and Exporter. - The importers, exporters, or their
authorized representatives shall submit a declaration to the Regional Director
concerned or other authorized officials of the Department, at or before the time of
entry or embarkation, of plants and plant products for importation or exportation.
Such declaration shall indicate the name and address of the consignor or consignee,
the purpose, nature and quantity of plants and plant products, the country or
locality where the same was grown, place and date of unloading or embarkation and
the registered name of the carrier carrying the consignment.
Section 37. Entrance and Clearance of Carrier. - (1) The owner, operator, agent or
master of carriers plying international or domestic routes are hereby required to
serve notice of arrival and departure and to provide inward and outward cargo
manifests and other declarations of said carriers to the Plant Quarantine Officer at
the post. Prior to departure, the agent or master of said carrier must secure a
clearance from the Plant Quarantine Officer thereat.
(2) The Collector of Customs or his authorized agents shall require the owner, agent
or master of carrier to submit a copy of the certificate of plant quarantine clearance
as a pre-requisite to the issuance of the customs clearance.
Section 38. Collection of Fees. - (1) The Regional Director concerned shall, with the
approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, promulgate rules and regulations governing
the collection of regulatory fees for inspection, certification, import permits,
commodity treatment and others, on commodities described in this Chapter which
shall constitute the revolving fund of the national plant quarantine service.
(2) Importations and exportations of all government departments or agencies and

government-owned or controlled corporations, and donations to and for the account
of any duly registered relief organization or any charitable institution certified by the
Department of Social Services and Welfare, embassies of foreign governments, and
those that may be declared by the President, upon the recommendation of the
National Economic and Development Authority, in the interest of economic
development, are exempt from payment of the fees herein prescribed excluding,
however, the expense incurred in commodity treatment.
Section 39. Overtime Services. - The services of Plant Quarantine Officers,

fumigators and helpers performed outside office hours and reimbursement of meal,
transportation, lodging and other incidental expenses shall be chargeable to the
party or parties served at the rates to be prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture
upon recommendation of the Regional Director concerned.
Section 40. Cooperating Agencies. - The Secretary of Agriculture may call upon the
other government agencies in the implementation of plant quarantine regulations,
and dissemination of information to the general public.
Section 41. Special Quarantine Orders, Rules and Regulations. - Special quarantine
orders, rules and regulations shall be promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture
upon recommendation of the Plant Quarantine Board to carry out and implement the
provisions of this Chapter.
Section 42. Quasi-judicial Authority. - (1) The Regional Directors and the other
officials of the Department who may be authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture,
after proper hearing, are hereby empowered to impose administrative fines for the
violation of and non-compliance with quarantine orders, rules and regulations
promulgated in accordance with this Chapter.
(2) The decisions of the Regional Directors concerned and those of the other
authorized officials of the Department under this section are appealable to the
Secretary of Agriculture whose decision shall be final.
Section 43. Plant Quarantine Board. - For the purpose of carrying out the provisions
of this Chapter, there shall be a Plant Quarantine Board which shall be composed of
the Undersecretary of Agriculture for Regional Operations as Chairman; the Director
of Plant Industry, as Vice-Chairman; and the following members: the Commissioner
of Customs, the General Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, the Director of
Quarantine, the Director of Animal Industry, the Postmaster General, the
Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority, the Director of Forest
Development or their representatives, the Chief of the Department Legal Service,
the Chief of the Plant Quarantine Section and the Chief of the Crop Protection
Division of the Bureau of Plant Industry, and a representative each from the National
Economic and Development Authority, the Central Bank of the Philippines, and the
Importers' and Exporters' Confederation, as members.
Section 44. Duties of the Board. - The Plant Quarantine Board shall act as the
advisory body to assist the Secretary in formulating orders, rules and regulations for
the effective implementation of the provisions of this Chapter.
Section 45. Board Meeting. - The Board shall meet once every quarter or may call
special meetings when necessary, provided that such special meeting shall not be
held more than four times annually.
Section 46. Quorum. - A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a
quorum.
Section 47. Attached Agencies. - The following units are hereby attached to the
Department:
(1) Agricultural Credit Policy Council

(2) National Agricultural and Fishery Council
(3) Philippine Technical and Administrative Committee for SEAFDEC
(4) Livestock Development Council
(5) National Meat Inspection Commission
(6) Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority
(7) Fiber Industry Development Authority
(8) National Tobacco Administration
(9) Sugar Regulatory Administration
(10) National Food Authority and its subsidiaries
(11) Quedan Guarantee Fund Board
(12) Philippine Fisheries Development Authority
(13) Philippine Rice Research Institute
(14) Philippine Coconut Authority and its subsidiaries
(15) National Irrigation Administration
(16) Sacovia Development Authority; and
(17) Regional Cooperative Development Assistance Offices (Regions IX and
XII).
Section 48. Specific Functions. - (1) The National Agricultural and Fishery Council
shall act as an advisory and coordinative body of the Department. As such, it shall
conduct and encourage consultative discussions among all agricultural sectors at the
municipal, provincial, regional and national levels;
(2) The Philippine Technical and Administrative Committee for Southeast Asia
Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) shall be responsible for the administration
and management of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department and shall monitor and
assess the performance of research projects on fisheries and aquaculture in
accordance with the policies or standards established by the SEAFDEC International
Council and the Department;
(3) The Livestock Development Council shall be responsible for the formulation and
establishment of comprehensive policy guidelines for the livestock industry,
preparation of plans and programs and evaluation of livestock programs/projects;
(4) The National Meat Inspection Commission shall conduct actual ante mortem
inspection on all animals presented for slaughter and post mortem inspection on all
animals presented for slaughter and post mortem inspection on all carcasses
intended for human consumption in all abattoirs in the country; render technical
assistance in the construction of meat establishments (abattoirs, dressing plants,
processing plants and meat markets) particularly on the selection of sites, and plant
design preparation, equipment design and test runs; exercise overall supervision
and control of management and operations of all abattoirs, dressing plants, meat
processing plants and meat markets.
Section 49. Organization and Operation. - The agencies attached to the Department
shall continue to operate and function in accordance with their respective charters,
laws or orders creating them, except as otherwise provided in this Code. Any
provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Secretary shall serve as
Chairman of the governing boards of all attached units or agencies.
Title V - PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall maintain an engineering and

construction arm and continuously develop its technology, for the purposes of
ensuring the safety of all infrastructure facilities and securing for all public works
and highways the highest efficiency and the most appropriate quality in
construction. The planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure
facilities, especially national highways, flood control and water resources
development systems, and other public works in accordance with national
development objectives, shall be the responsibility of such an engineering and
construction arm. However, the exercise of this responsibility shall be decentralized
to the fullest extent feasible.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department of Public Works and Highways shall be the
State's engineering and construction arm and is tasked to carry out the policy
enunciated above.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department, in order to carry out its
mandate, shall:
(1) Provide technical services for the planning, design, construction, maintenance,
or operation of infrastructure facilities;
(2) Develop and implement effective codes, standards, and reasonable guidelines to
ensure the safety of all public and private structures in the country and assure
efficiency and proper quality in the construction of public works;
(3) Ascertain that all public works plans and project implementation designs are
consistent with current standards and guidelines;
(4) Identify, plan, secure funding for, program, design, construct or undertake
prequalification, bidding, and award of contracts of public works projects with the
exception only of specialized projects undertaken by Government corporate entities
with established technical capability and as directed by the President of the
Philippines or as provided by law;
(5) Provide the works supervision function for all public works constructions and
ensure that actual construction is done in accordance with approved government
plans and specifications;
(6) Assist other agencies, including the local governments, in determining the most
suitable entity to undertake the actual construction of public works projects;
(7) Maintain or cause to be maintained all highways, flood control, and other public
works throughout the country except those that are the responsibility of other
agencies as directed by the President of the Philippines or as provided by law;
(8) Provide an integrated planning for highways, flood control and water resource
development systems, and other public works;
(9) Classify road and highways into national, regional, provincial, city, municipal,
and barangay roads and highways, based on objective criteria it shall adopt; provide
or authorize the conversion of roads and highways from one category to another;
and
(10) Delegate, to any agency it determines to have the adequate technical

capability, any of the foregoing powers and functions; and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall be composed of:
(1) The Department Proper consisting of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of
the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit Service,
Monitoring and Information Service, Planning Service, Comptrollership and Financial
Management Service, Legal Service, and the Administrative and Manpower
Management Service;
(2) The Bureau of Research and Standards, Bureau of Design, Bureau of

Construction, Bureau of Maintenance, and Bureau of Equipment; and
(3) The Field Offices, consisting of fourteen (14) Regional Offices composed of
Region I (Ilocos), Region II (Cagayan Valley), Region III (Central Luzon, National
Capital Region), Region IV-A (Southern Tagalog Mainland Provinces), Region IV-B
(Southern Tagalog Island Provinces), Region V (Bicol), Region VI (Western Visayas),
Region VII (Central Visayas), Region VIII (Eastern Visayas), Region IX (Western
Mindanao) Region X (Northeastern Mindanao) Region XI (Southern Mindanao) and
Region XII (Central Mindanao), and their respective District Offices.
Section 5. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall be composed of
the Secretary and his immediate staff.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than five
(5) Undersecretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary. The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate
and assign the respective functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries.
Such responsibility shall be with respect to the mandate and objectives of the
Department and no Undersecretary shall be assigned primarily administrative
responsibilities. Within his functional area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall
Department policies, plans programs and projects;
(2) Supervise all the operational activities of the units assigned to him, for which he
is responsible to the Secretary; and
(3) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated
by the Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public
services, or as may be required by law.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by six (6)
Assistant Secretaries appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the
recommendation of the Secretary; one (1) to be responsible for the Internal Audit
Services; one (1) for the Monitoring and Information Service; one (1) for the
Planning Service; one (1) for the Comptrollership and Financial Management
Service; one (1) for the Legal Service; and one (1) for the Administrative and
Manpower Management Service.
Section 8. Internal Audit Service. - The Internal Audit Service shall conduct
comprehensive audit of various Department activities. Specifically, it shall have the
following functions:
(1) Advice the Secretary on all matters relating to management control and
operations audit;
(2) Conduct management and operations performance audit of Department activities

and units and determine the degree of compliance with established objectives,
policies, methods and procedures, government regulations, and contractual
obligations of the Department;
(3) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets
management practices, accounting and other records, reports and performance
standards (such as budgets and standard costs) of the Department Proper, Bureaus
and Regional Offices;
(4) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top management to
solve the problems by recommending realistic courses of action; and
(5) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.
Section 9. Monitoring and Information Service. - The Monitoring and Information

Service is hereby created to provide the Secretary timely reports on the status of
various Department projects and activities; and develop and implement information
programs for mass dissemination in coordination with the appropriate government
agencies. The Monitoring and Information Service shall have the following functions:
(1) Advice the Secretary on all matters relating to monitoring and public
information;
(2) Develop and maintain a system for retrieving and processing monitoring
information on all projects and activities of concern to the Secretary;
(3) Provide accurate and timely status and exception reports to the Secretary;
(4) Generate monitoring reports for the President, the Cabinet, or for any other
purpose as required by the Secretary;
(5) Develop and supervise the implementation of communications programs to have

relevant policies, programs and plans of the Department understood by the public;
(6) Produce and supervise the dissemination of media materials in line with the
national government public information programs;
(7) Coordinate with appropriate national government agencies tasked with public
information affairs; and
The existing Infrastructure Computer Center shall be under the supervision of the
Assistant Secretary for Monitoring Information. It shall establish and maintain a
computerized data bank as a repository of statistics and information on
infrastructure operations. It shall also provide computer service to the different
offices of the Department.
Section 10. Planning Service. - The Planning Service shall provide the Department
with the capability to undertake infrastructure development planning and
programming. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:
(1) Advice the Secretary on all matters relating to infrastructure planning;

(2) Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development
consistent with national development objectives; and initiate or undertake,
coordinate and review area and sector surveys for development planning;
(3) Formulate long-range, medium-term and annual development plans and
programs for infrastructure, especially highways, flood control and water
resource development systems, and other public works projects, including
phasing of implementation;
(4) Identify priority packages for infrastructure development, especially
highways, flood control and water resource development systems, and other
public works projects, undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of
feasibility studies and project preparation thereof;
(5) Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other
resources and package project proposals for funding and implementation;
(6) Evaluate and appraise all regional and interregional infrastructure
development plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with
approved strategies and long and medium-term plans;
(7) Initiate regular Department-wide planning exercises and act as the
secretariat thereof;
(8) Gather, analyze and organize needed statistical data and information;
(9) Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other Services,
Bureaus and the Regional Offices as needed; and
(10) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned
or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.
Section 11. Comptrollership and Financial Management Service. - The

Comptrollership and Financial Management Service shall provide the Department
with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget,
cash, accounting, and all financial housekeeping matters. For such purposes, it shall
(1) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of government
expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances, and
financial systems and procedures;
(2) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations; undertake
budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper
offices;
(3) Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets management systems,
procedures, and practices in the Department proper, Bureaus, and Regional Offices;
(4) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Department
and, when requested, to government corporations and councils attached to the
Department; and
Section 12. Legal Service. - The Legal Service provides the Department with
services on such legal affairs as contract letting and litigation, legal and legislative
research, complaints and investigation, legal counselling and other matters of law.
For such purposes, it shall have the following functions:
(1) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal affairs;
(2) Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review and interpret all
contracts and agreements entered into by the Department; evaluate all legal
proposals;
(3) Conduct administrative investigation as well as the review of administrative

charges against officers and employees of the Department;
(4) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices;
(5) Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper, the Bureaus and Regional
Offices and, when requested, the attached corporations; and
Section 13. Administrative and Manpower Management Service. - The Administrative

and Manpower Management Service provides the Department with services relating
to human resources development, personnel, records, facilities maintenance,
medical and dental, security and property and procurement services. For such
purposes, it shall have the following functions:
(1) Advise the Secretary, on all matters relating to internal administration and
human resources management;
(2) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that shall include provisions
on merit promotions, performance evaluation, job rotation, suggestions and
incentive awards systems and health and welfare services;
(3) Provide services related to human resources training, education, and

development, including manpower and career planning and forecasting and
development of indigenous training materials;
(4) Develop, establish and maintain an efficient and cost-effective property
procurement system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with
relevant agencies, whether government or private, for the purpose of developing or
upgrading the system;
(5) Secure and maintain necessary Department facilities and develop, establish and
maintain an efficient and effective security system covering among others,
personnel, physical installations, equipment, documents and materials, including the
conduct of security investigations;
(6) Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more efficient
conduct of administrative processes;
(7) Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system;
(8) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Department Proper,

Bureaus and Regional Offices and, when requested, the government agencies and
corporations attached to the Department; and
CHAPTER 4 - The Bureau
Section 14. Bureau Head. - Each Bureau shall be headed by a Bureau Director who
shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the functions of the
Bureau.
Section 15. Bureau of Research and Standards. - The Bureau of Research and
Standards shall develop and set effective standards and reasonable guidelines to
ensure the safety of all infrastructure facilities in the country and to assure
efficiency and proper quality in the construction of government public works. In
pursuit of this task, the Bureau shall engage in research and development in all
major areas pertinent to infrastructure development. For such purposes, it shall
(1) Study, on a continuing basis, and formulate and recommend guidelines,

standards, criteria, and systems for the survey and design, construction,
rehabilitation, maintenance and improvement of all public works and highways;
(2) Conduct or sponsor research on construction materials and formulate and

recommend policies, standards and guidelines on materials and quality control;
(3) Undertake or cause to be undertaken specialized technical studies to advance

the inhouse technology of the Department and secure the most complete
information for project development and implementation purposes;
(4) Formulate technical training programs for Department technical personnel,

including the identification of appropriate local and foreign training programs, and
recommend the selection of Department personnel for such programs;
(5) Review and study, for the purpose of recognizing new technologies especially
those utilizing indigenous resources, current national building and construction
standards and procedures and make appropriate recommendations thereon;
(6) Promote, publish and disseminate technical publications;
(7) Provide technical assistance to the Department Proper, other Bureaus, Regional
Offices and other agencies on matters within its competence, including technical
assistance in the upgrading or updating of the Building Code, and other services;
(8) Cooperate or coordinate with other established research, development, and

engineering centers in areas of common or national interests; and
(9) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated
by the Secretary or as may be required by law.
Section 16. Bureau of Design. - The Bureau of Design shall ascertain that all
government infrastructure project implementation plans and designs are consistent
with current standards and guidelines. For this purpose, it shall have the following
duties and responsibilities:
(1) Conduct or initiate, supervise and review the results of field surveys for
highways, flood control and water resource development systems, and other public
works projects, including aerial, hydrologic, hydrographic, topographic, geotechnical
and other investigations;
(2) Conduct or initiate, supervise and review the preparation of schemes, designs,
specifications, estimates, tender and contract documents covering the architectural,
structural, mechanical, electrical and other technical design aspects of highways,
flood control and other projects of the Department or of other departments upon
request or agreement;
(3) Review and evaluate the designs, specifications, estimates, tender and contract
documents covering the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and other
technical design aspects of public works projects of all agencies in accordance with
current standards and guidelines;
(4) Provide technical assistance in the selection of firms or entities that shall
undertake actual construction of public works projects via participation in the
technical evaluation aspect of the bidding/award process; and
delegated by the Secretary of as may be required by law.
Section 17. Bureau of Construction. - The Bureau of Construction shall provide

technical services on construction works for infrastructure projects and facilities. For
this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) Formulate policies relating to construction management and contract

administration;
(2) Review and evaluate construction programs, estimates, tender and
contract documents;
(3) Inspect, check and monitor construction and works supervision activities of
field implementing offices for the purpose of ensuring that such activities are
being conducted in accordance with the current standards and guidelines of
the Department;
(4) Provide specialist support to implementing field offices on construction
management and contract administration; and
Section 18. Bureau of Maintenance. - The Bureau of Maintenance provides technical

services on the maintenance and repair of infrastructure projects and facilities. For
this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) Formulate policies relating to the maintenance of infrastructure projects

and facilities;
(2) Review and evaluate maintenance programs, estimates and tender and
contract documents;
(3) Inspect, check, and monitor maintenance activities of implementing field
offices for the purpose of ensuring that such activities are being conducted in
accordance with the current standards and policies of the Department;
(4) Provide specialist support to implementing field offices on the maintenance
of infrastructure projects and facilities;
Section 19. Bureau of Equipment. - The Bureau of Equipment provides technical

services on the management of construction and maintenance equipment and
ancillary facilities. For this purpose it shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:
(1) Formulate policies relating to the management of infrastructure equipment

and ancillary facilities;
(2) Review and evaluate programs, estimates, tender and contract documents
for equipment;
(3) Inspect, check and monitor the management of equipment by regional
equipment services and area shops for the purpose of ensuring that such
activities are being conducted in accordance with the current standards and
policies of the Department;
(4) Provide specialist support to implementing field offices on equipment
management; and

Section 20. Regional Offices. - Regional Offices shall be responsible for highways,
flood control and water resource development systems, and other public works
within the region, except those defined in Section 3, par. (4) hereof. For this
purpose, their duties and responsibilities shall be as follows:
(1) Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, construction and works
supervision functions of the Department for the above mentioned infrastructure
within the region;
(2) Undertake the maintenance of the above mentioned infrastructure within the
region and supervise the maintenance of such local road and other infrastructure
receiving national government financial assistance as the Secretary may determine;
(3) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations
regarding the above mentioned infrastructure as well as all public and private
physical structures;
(4) Provide technical assistance related to their functions to other agencies within
the region, especially the local government;
(5) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and organizations,

especially local government units within the region in the planning and
implementation of infrastructure projects;
(6) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take appropriate
measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the needs of the
general public, compile and submit such information to the central office, and
recommend such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and
The Department shall retain and have such Project Management Offices as may be
required which shall be under the supervision and control of the appropriate
Regional Director, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary for reasons of
supra-regional scope, magnitude, and multi-functional coverage.
Section 21. Regional Director. - The Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional
Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the
duties and responsibilities of the Regional Office. Towards this end, and in line with
the policy of decentralization, he shall, within his defined powers, exercise functional
and administrative supervision over District Offices within the region including the
authority to commit their resources and personnel to integrated province or city-
wide development thrusts.
He shall also perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.
The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Regional Directors who
shall exercise supervision, respectively over: (1) the construction, maintenance and
works supervision functions in the region; and (2) the planning, project design,
evaluation and technical assistance functions of the Regional Office.
Section 22. District Office. - There shall be a District Office in each of the provinces
and cities throughout the country to be headed by a District Engineer appointed by
the Secretary. A province or city may, however, be divided into two (2) or more
engineering districts, upon determination and issuance of an administrative order by
the Secretary. The District Office shall be responsible for all highways, flood control
and water resource development systems, and other public works within the district,
except those defined under Section 3, par. (4) hereof. For this purpose, it shall have
the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, construction, and works
supervision functions of the Department for the above mentioned infrastructure in
the district;
(2) Undertake the maintenance of the abovementioned infrastructure within the

district and supervise the maintenance of such local roads and other infrastructure
receiving national government financial assistance as the Secretary may determine;
(3) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions, and organizations,

especially local government units within the district in the planning and
implementation of infrastructure projects;
(4) Provide technical assistance to other agencies at the local level on public works
planning, design, construction, maintenance and other engineering matters
including securing from the Regional Office or, through the same office, assistance
from the Department Proper or Bureaus;
(5) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take appropriate
measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the needs of the
general public, compile and submit such information to the Regional Office and
recommend such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and
Section 23. District Engineer. - The District Engineer of or within a province or city
shall be accountable for the efficient and effective conduct of the duties and
responsibilities of the District Office of which he is the head. Within his defined
powers, he shall exercise functional and administrative supervision over district
operations including the authority to recommend that field resources and personnel
be committed to integrated district-wide development thrusts. He shall also perform
such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by
the Secretary or as may be required by law.
Section 24. Equipment Services. - The Regional Equipment Services, including

regional depots and area shops are hereby reorganized to undertake the
management, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation of construction and
maintenance equipment. Each depot or shop shall be operated, to the extent
practicable, as a profit center. The Regional Equipment Services shall be under the
administrative supervision of the Regional Director and technical supervision of the
Bureau of Equipment.
Section 25. Attached Agencies and Corporations. - Agencies and corporations

attached to the Department shall continue to operate and function in accordance
with their respective charters/laws/executive orders creating them. Accordingly, the
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Local Water Utilities
Administration, the National Irrigation Administration, and the National Water
Resources Council, among others, shall continue to be attached to the Department;
while the Metropolitan Manila Flood Control and Drainage Council, as reorganized,
shall be attached to the Department.
Title VI - EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS
CHAPTER 1 - General Provincial
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right of
all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make
such education accessible to all. Pursuant to this, the State shall:
1) Establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of

education relevant to the needs of the people and society;
2) Establish and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and
high school levels. Without limiting the natural right of parents to rear their children,
elementary education is compulsory for all children of school age;
3) Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs,

subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in
both public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged;
4) Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-

learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that
respond to community needs; and
5) Provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in
civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall be primarily responsible for the

formulation, planning, implementation and coordination of the policies, plans,
programs and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal education at all levels,
supervise all educational institutions, both public and private, and provide for the
establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate and integrated system of
education relevant to the goals of national development.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate and objectives, the
Department shall have the powers and functions of formulating, planning,
implementing and coordinating the policies, plans, programs and projects for the
following:
(1) Elementary, secondary, physical and international education;

(2) Non-formal and vocational or technical education;
(3) Higher education;
(4) Development of culture;
(5) Foreign and locally assisted projects and other activities relative to
Subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4); and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department, aside from the Department

Proper, shall consist of Bureau and Regional Offices.
the Secretary and his immediate staff.

Undersecretaries, each of whom shall be responsible for the following:
(1) Elementary education, secondary education, physical education and international

education programs and centers;
(2) Non-formal education, vocational/technical education, and youth organizations;
(3) Higher education, cultural agencies, and foreign assisted projects;
(4) Internal administration and management, and regional coordination; and
(5) Legal and legislative affairs, and other attached agencies and centers.
Section 7. Functions of the Services. - The Services of the Department shall consist
of the following:
(1) The Planning Service shall be responsible for providing the Department with
economical, efficient, and effective services relating to planning, programming, and
project development;
(2) The Financial and Management Service shall be responsible for providing the
Department with staff advice and assistance on budgetary, financial, and
management improvement matters;
(3) The Administrative Service shall be responsible for providing the Department
with economical, efficient, and effective services relating to legal assistance,
information, records, supplies or equipment, collection, disbursement, security and
custodial work;
(4) The Human Resources Development Service, shall:
(a) Develop and administer a personnel program which shall include selection and
placement, classification and pay, career, and employment development,
performance rating, employee relations and welfare services;
(b) Act on all matters concerning attendance, leaves of absences, appointments,

promotions, and other personnel transactions; and
(c) Conduct training programs in the Department.
(5) The Technical Service, which includes the Office of the Head Executive Assistant
and the Information and Publication Service shall take charge of technical staff
activities which cannot be allocated to the four (4) other services.
CHAPTER 4 - Board of Higher Education
Section 8. Organization. - The Board shall be composed of an Undersecretary of the

Department of Education, Culture and Sports designated as Chairman and four
other members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon nomination
by the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports for a term of four years. The four
members shall have distinguished themselves in the field of higher education and
development either in the public or private sector. The Director of the Bureau of
Higher Education shall participate in the deliberation of the Board but without the
right to vote.
Section 9. Functions. - The Board of Higher Education shall:
(1) Articulate the policy and support the framework for both public and private post-
secondary education;
(2) Make policy recommendations regarding the planning and management of the
integrated system of higher education and the continuing evaluation thereof;
(3) Recommend to the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports steps to improve
the governance of the various components of the higher education system at
national and regional levels; and
(4) Assist the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports in making

recommendations relative to the generation of resources and their allocation for
higher education.
Section 10. Staff Assistance. - The Bureau of Higher Education shall provide the
Board with the necessary technical and staff support; Provided, That the Board may
create technical panels of experts in the various disciplines as the need arises.
CHAPTER 5 - State Colleges and Universities
Section 11. Governance. - By virtue of his chairmanship of their boards of trustees

as provided in their respective charters, the Secretary, directly or through his
Undersecretaries, shall continue to govern state colleges and universities.
CHAPTER 6 - Bureaus and Offiices
Section 12. Bureau of Elementary Education. - The Bureau of Elementary Education

(1) Conduct studies and formulate, develop, and evaluate programs and educational
standards for elementary education;
(2) Undertake studies necessary for the preparation of prototype curricular designs,
instructional materials and teacher training programs for elementary education;
(3) Formulate guidelines to improve elementary school physical plans and

equipment, and general management of these schools; and
Section 13. Bureau of Secondary Education. - The Bureau of Secondary Education

(1) Conduct studies and formulate, develop and evaluate programs and educational
standards for secondary education;
(2) Develop curricular designs, prepare instructional materials, and prepare and
evaluate programs to upgrade the quality of the teaching and non-teaching staff at
the secondary level;
(3) Formulate guidelines to improve the secondary schools physical plants and
equipment, and general management of these schools; and
Section 14. Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education. - The Bureau of Technical
and Vocational Education shall have the following functions:
(1) Collaborate with other agencies in the formulation of manpower plans;
(2) Conduct studies, formulate, develop and evaluate post-secondary vocational

technical staff, and formulate guidelines to improve the physical plant and
equipment of post-secondary vocational-technical schools; and
(3) Develop curricular designs and prepare instructional materials, prepare and
evaluate programs to upgrade the quality of teaching and non-teaching staff, and
formulate guidelines to improve the physical plant and equipment of post-secondary,
vocational/technical schools.
Section 15. Bureau of Higher Education. - The Bureau of Higher Education shall have
(1) Develop, formulate and evaluate programs, projects and educational standards
for higher education;
(2) Provide staff assistance to the Board of Higher Education in its policy and
advisory functions;
(3) Provide technical assistance to encourage institutional development programs

and projects;
(4) Compile, analyze and evaluate data on higher education; and
(5) Perform other functions provided by law.
Section 16. Bureaus of Non-Formal Education. - The Bureau of Non-Formal

Education shall have the following functions:
(1) Serve as a means of meeting the learning needs of those unable to avail
themselves of the educational services and programs of formal education;
(2) Coordinate with various agencies in providing opportunities for the acquisition of
skills necessary to enhance and ensure continuing employability, efficiency,
productivity, and competitiveness in the labor market; and
(3) Serve as a means for expanding access to educational opportunities to citizens

of varied interests, demographic characteristics and socio-economic origins of
status.
Section 17. Bureau of Physical Education and School Sports. - The Bureau of
Physical Education and School Sports shall have the following functions:
(1) Develop human resources through mass-based sports education;

(2) Improve the general fitness of the citizenry;
(3) Promote social and cultural integration through the revival of indigenous
games and sports;
(4) Identify and nurture sports talents and promote excellence in sports,
traditional games and other physical activities; and
Section 18. Organization. - The Department is hereby authorized to establish,

operate and maintain a Regional Office in each of the administrative regions of the
country. Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Director who shall be
assisted by an Assistant Regional Director. The Regional Director shall be responsible
for the School Divisions and their Superintendents within his administrative region.
Section 19. Functions. - A Regional Office shall have, within its administrative
region, the following functions:
(1) Formulate the regional plan of education based on the national plan of the
Department taking into account the specific needs and special traditions of the
region;
(2) Implement laws, rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects
of the Department;
(3) Provide economical, efficient and effective education service to the people;
(4) Coordinate with regional offices of other Departments, Offices and agencies
in the region;
Section 20. Attached Agencies. - The following agencies are hereby attached to the
Department:
(1) National Museum;

(2) National Library;
(3) National Historical Institute;
(4) Institute of Philippine Languages;
(5) Instructional Materials Corporation;
(6) Instructional Materials Council;
(7) Educational Development Projects Implementing Task Force;
(8) Educational Assistance Policy Council;
(9) National Youth and Sports Development Board;
(10) National Social Action Council;
(11) National Board of Teachers;
(12) Boy Scouts of the Philippines;
(13) Girl Scouts of the Philippines; and
(14) Records Management and Archives Office.
Section 21. Supervised and Controlled Agencies. - The Department shall exercise
supervision and control over the following agencies:
(1) Health and Nutrition Center; and

(2) National Education Testing and Research Center.
Section 22. Functions and Duties. - The agencies attached to as well as those under
the supervision and control of the Department shall continue to operate and function
in accordance with their respective charters or laws creating them except as
otherwise provided in this Code.
CHAPTER 9 - Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 23. Medium of Instruction. - The Department shall promulgate rules and the
regulations on the medium of instruction for all schools in accordance with the policy
declared in Section 7, Article XIV of the Constitution.
Section 24. School Year. - 1) The school year for public and private schools shall
consist of not less than forty (40) weeks for the elementary and secondary levels,
and thirty-six (36) weeks for the college level or eighteen (18) weeks a semester.
2) The opening date shall be fixed by the Secretary, but it shall not be earlier than
the first day of June nor later than the last day of July of each year unless prevented
by fortuitous events.
3) The long school vacation period shall likewise be fixed by the Secretary taking
into consideration the convenience of the pupils and the special climatic conditions
prevailing during the said period.
4) The dates established for the long school vacation shall not be changed oftener
than one every five
(5) years without prior public hearing properly advertised in a newspaper of general
circulation or announced by the school authorities concerned.
Section 25. School Holidays. - All schools, whether public or private, shall not hold
classes on public holidays, whether regular or special. On holidays especially
proclaimed by the President, the schools in the municipality, city or province

affected by the proclamation shall not hold classes. The Secretary may, by reason of
public calamity or emergency, order the closure of any school, public or private, as
may have been affected thereby for such period as necessity may demand.
Section 26. School Sessions. - The regular daily sessions of all public and private
schools shall be held during the hours fixed by the Secretary or his duly authorized
representatives. Except in college, no class sessions shall be held on Saturdays,
Sundays, or holidays unless to offset class sessions suspended by competent
authority.
Section 27. School Rituals. - (1) School rituals prepared and prescribed by the
Secretary shall be observed in all public and private elementary and secondary
schools in the Philippines.
2) The school rituals shall consist of solemn and patriotic mass singing of the
Philippine National Anthem and the recitation of prescribed patriotic pledges.
3) The rituals shall be held in school premises as often as may be practicable under
the direction of the respective school authorities.
Section 28. Flag Ceremony. - 1) All educational institutions shall observe a simple
and dignified flag ceremony, including the playing or singing of the Philippine
National Anthem.
2) The flag ceremony shall be conducted under the rules and regulations issued by
the Secretary.
3) Failure or refusal to observe the flag ceremony in accordance with the rules and
regulations issued by the Secretary shall, after proper notice and hearing, subject
the educational institution concerned and its head to public censure as an
administrative punishment, which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of
general circulation.
4) Failure to observe for the second time the said flag ceremony shall, after notice
and hearing, be a ground for the cancellation of the recognition or the permit of the
private educational institution concerned.
5) Any teacher or student or pupil who refuses to join or participate in the flag
ceremony may be dismissed after due investigation .
Section 29. Local School Boards. - In every province, city or municipality, there shall
be established a Provincial School Board, City School Board and Municipal School
Board, respectively, whose composition, powers, functions and duties shall be
provided by law.
Title VII - LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - (1) The State shall afford full protection to labor
and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.
It shall guarantee the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining

negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in
accordance with law. They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions
of work, and a living wage. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making
processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law.
(2) The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers
and employers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes,
including conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to foster
industrial peace.
(3) The State shall regulate the relations between workers and employers,
recognizing the right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production and the
right of enterprises to reasonable returns on investments, and to expansion and
growth.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall be the primary policy-making,

programming, coordinating and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the
government in the field of labor and employment. It shall assume primary
responsibility for:
(1) The promotion of gainful employment opportunities and the optimization of the
development and utilization of the country's manpower resources;
(2) The advancement of workers' welfare by providing for just and humane working
conditions and terms of employment;
(3) The maintenance of industrial peace by promoting harmonious, equitable, and

stable employment relations that assure equal protection for the rights of all
concerned parties.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department of Labor and Employment shall:
(1) Enforce social and labor legislation to protect the working class and regulate the
relations between the worker and his employer;
(2) Formulate and recommend policies, plans and programs for manpower
development, training, allocation, and utilization;
(3) Recommend legislation to enhance the material, social and intellectual

improvement of the nation's labor force;
(4) Protect and promote the interest of every citizen desiring to work locally or
overseas by securing for him the most equitable terms and conditions of
employment, and by providing social and welfare services;
(5) Regulate the employment of aliens, including the enforcement of a registration

or work permit system for such aliens, as provided for by law;
(6) Formulate general guidelines concerning wage and income policy;
(7) Recommend necessary adjustments in wage structures with a view to

developing a wage system that is consistent with national economic and social
development plans;
(8) Provide for safe, decent, humane and improved working conditions and
environment for all workers, particularly women and young workers;
(9) Maintain a harmonious, equitable and stable labor relations system that is
supportive of the national economic policies and programs;
(10) Uphold the right of workers and employers to organize and promote free
collective bargaining as the foundation of the labor relations system;
(11) Provide and ensure the fair and expeditious settlement and disposition of labor
and industrial disputes through collective bargaining, grievance machinery,
conciliation, mediation, voluntary arbitration, compulsory arbitration as may be
provided by law, and other modes that may be voluntarily agreed upon by the
parties concerned; and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall consist of the Office of

the Secretary, and Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Services and
Staff Bureaus, and the Regional Offices.
Secretary and his immediate staff.
Section 6. Joint RP-US Labor Committee Staff . - There is hereby created in the
Office of the Secretary a Joint RP-US Labor Committee Staff which shall provide
technical and other necessary services to the Philippine panel in the Joint Labor
Committee created under the RP-US Base Labor Agreement and for other special
projects. The unit shall be headed by a Head Executive Assistant who shall be
assisted by five (5) staff assistants.
Section 7. Undersecretary. - The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than four
(4) Undersecretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon the
and assign the respective functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries.
Section 8. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall likewise be assisted by not

more than four (4) Assistant Secretaries who shall be appointed by the President
upon the recommendation of the Secretary. The Secretary is hereby authorized to
delineate and assign the respective areas of functional responsibility of the Assistant
Secretaries. Within his functional area of responsibility, the Assistant Secretary shall
assist the Secretary and Undersecretaries in the formulation, determination and
implementation of laws, policies, plans, programs and projects on labor and shall
oversee the day-to-day administration and supervision of the constituent units of
the Department.
Section 9. Planning Service. - The Planning Service shall provide the Department
with efficient, effective and economical services relating to planning, programming,
project development and evaluation, and the development and implementation of a
management information system.
Department with efficient, effective and economical services relating to records,
management, supplies, equipment, collections, disbursements, building
administration and maintenance, security and custodial work.
Section 11. Human Resource Development Service. - The Human Resource

Development Service shall provide the Department with a program and
corresponding projects that shall make available training, education and
development opportunities needed to upgrade the levels of competence and
productivity of Department managers and personnel. It shall absorb the powers and
functions of the Administrative Service in relation to the development and
administration of personnel programs including selection and placement,
development, performance evaluation, employee relations and welfare.
Section 12. Financial Management Service. - The Financial and Management Service
shall be responsible for providing the Department with efficient, effective and
economical services relating to budgetary, financial, management improvement and
internal control matters.
Section 13. Legal Service. - The Legal Service shall provide legal advice and service
to Department officers and employees; prepare informative or clarificatory opinions
on labor laws, rules and regulations for uniform interpretation thereof; answer legal
queries from the public; assist the Office of the Solicitor General in suits involving
the Department or its officers or employees or act as their principal counsel in all
actions taken in their official capacity or other causes before judicial or
administrative bodies.
Section 14. International Labor Affairs Service. - The International Labor Affairs
Service shall be responsible for monitoring the observance and implementation of all
obligations, courtesies, and facilities required by international labor affairs,
particularly the International Labor Organization, the Conference of Asian Pacific
Labor Ministries, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Labor Ministries
Meeting, of which the Philippines is a member, and related international labor
standards and agreements reached in various international labor forums, treaties,
and other multilateral, bilateral or multi-bilateral agreements in the area of labor
and employment; provide staff support and policy guidelines to the Secretary in the
supervision, monitoring and reporting of the activities of the Philippine overseas
labor officers assigned in different countries; serve as the instrumentality of the
Department for technical cooperation, programs and activities with other countries
and international institutions.
Section 15. Information and Publication Service. - The Information and Publication
Service shall be responsible for rapport and understanding between the Department
and the public through the development of public relations programs and the
dissemination of accurate and updated information on labor and employment, by
means of publications and media coverages of special events and related matters on
the Department's policies, plans, programs, and projects; likewise, it shall be
responsible for providing answers to queries from the public regarding the
Department's policies, rules, regulations, programs, activities and services.
CHAPTER 4 - Bureaus
Section 16. Bureau of Labor Relations. - The Bureau of Labor Relations shall set
policies, standards, and procedures on the registration and supervision of legitimate
labor union activities including denial, cancellation and revocation of labor union
permits. It shall also set policies, standards, and procedure relating to collective
bargaining agreements, and the examination of financial records of accounts of
labor organizations to determine compliance with relevant laws.
The Bureau shall also provide proper orientation to workers on their schemes and
projects for the improvement of the standards of living of workers and their families.
Section 17. Bureau of Local Employment. - The Bureau of Local Employment shall:
(1) Formulate policies, standards and procedures on productive manpower

resources, development, utilization and allocation.
(2) Establish and administer a machinery for the effective allocation of manpower
resources for maximum employment and placement;
(3) Develop and maintain a responsive vocational guidance and testing system in
aid of proper human resources allocation;
(4) Regulate and supervise private sector participation in the recruitment and
placement of workers locally under such rules and regulations as may be issued by
the Secretary;
(5) Establish and maintain a registration or work permit system to regulate

employment of aliens;
(6) Develop and maintain a labor market information system in aid of proper
manpower and development planning;
(7) Formulate employment programs designed to benefit disadvantaged groups and

communities; and
(8) Perform other functions as may be provided by law.
Section 18. Bureau of Women and Young Workers. - The Bureau of Women and
Young Workers shall:
(1) Formulate policies and promulgate orders, rules and regulations implementing
the provisions of the Labor Code affecting working women and minors;
(2) Set standards which shall protect the welfare of the working women and minors,
improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, secure opportunities for
their profitable employment and find ways for their economic, educational, social
and cultural advancement;
(3) Prepare and recommend to the Secretary of Labor and Employment the approval
and issuance of such rules and regulations necessary in the interpretation of all laws
relating to the employment of women and minors;
(4) Undertake studies and submit recommendations on the employment of women

and minors in commercial, industrial and agricultural establishments and other
places of labor;
(5) Act as the government's clearinghouse of all information relating to working

women and minors;
(6) Undertake development studies on the training needs of women and minors and
develop programs and projects to enhance their productivity and effective
participation in community development;
(7) Protect every child employed in the movie, television, radio and entertainment
industries against exploitation, improper influences, hazards and other conditions or
circumstances prejudicial to his physical, mental, emotional, social and moral
development.
(8) Undertake projects and in-service training programs for working children to
improve their potentials for employment and their capabilities and physical fitness,
increase their efficiency, secure opportunities for their promotion, prepare them for
more responsible positions, and provide for their social, educational and cultural
advancement, in cooperation with labor and management; and
Section 19. Bureau of Rural Workers. - The Bureau of Rural Workers shall:
(1) Assist rural workers, displaced farmers, and migratory workers in seeking
gainful employment;
(2) Conduct studies and draw up programs for re-training of displaced

agricultural workers;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices and local government units in preparing a
census of rural workers seeking employment; and
Section 20. Bureau of Working Conditions. - The Bureau of Working Conditions shall:
(1) Develop and prescribe safety standards, measures and devices; promote
safety consciousness and habits among workers; develop and evaluate
occupational safety and health programs for workers;
(2) Develop plans, programs, standards and procedures for the enforcement of
laws relating to labor standards, including the operation of boilers, pressure
vessels, machinery, internal combustion engines, elevators, electrical
equipment, wiring installations, and the construction, demolition, alteration
and use of commercial and industrial buildings and other workplaces;
(3) Prepare rules and regulations, interpretative bulletins and legal opinions
relating to the administration and enforcement of labor standards; and provide
manuals and plan programs for the training of field personnel;
(4) Provide technical and legal assistance to the Labor Standards Commission;
and
Section 21. Institute for Labor Studies. - The Institute for Labor Studies shall be
attached to the Department of Labor and Employment. For policy and program
coordination and administrative supervision, the Institute shall absorb the research
and publication functions of the Institute of Labor and Manpower Studies. The
Institute, to be headed by an Executive Director, assisted by a Deputy Executive
Director, shall have the following functions:
(1) Undertake research and studies in all areas of labor and manpower policy
and administration;
(2) Review the rationale of existing legislation and regulations and analyze the
costs involved in the implementation of such legislation against the benefits
expected to be derived;
(3) Study and develop innovative and indigenous approaches towards the
promotion of harmonious and productive labor-management and the
improvement of workers' welfare services;
(4) Develop and undertake research programs and projects in collaboration

with other national agencies to enhance the Department's capability to
participate in national decision and policy making;
(5) Enter into agreements with international or bilateral agencies for the
carrying out of the foregoing functions;
(6) Expand the scope of its research interests into other countries and regions;
(7) Publish its research studies for dissemination to government as well as to

all concerned parties; and
Section 22. Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics. - The Bureau of Labor and
Employment Statistics shall:
(1) Formulate, develop and implement plans and programs on the labor
statistical system in order to provide the government with timely, accurate and
reliable data on labor and employment;
(2) Conduct nationwide surveys and studies which will generate trends and
structures on labor and employment;
(3) Develop and prescribe uniform statistical standards, nomenclatures and

methodologies for the collection, processing, presentation and analysis of labor

and employment data;
(4) Establish appropriate mechanisms for the coordination of all statistical

activities in the Department and for collaboration with other government and
private agencies including international research organizations in the conduct
of surveys and studies in the area of labor and employment;
(5) Disseminate statistical information and provide statistical services or advice

to the users by establishing a data bank and issuing the Bureau's statistical
materials and research findings;
(6) Develop and undertake programs and projects geared toward

enhancement of the technical competence of the Department on theories,
techniques and methodologies for the improvement of the labor statistical
system;
(7) Monitor and exercise technical supervision over the statistical units in the
Department and its agencies; and
Secretary.
Section 23. National Conciliation and Mediation Board. - The National Conciliation
and Mediation Board, shall absorb the conciliation, mediation and voluntary
arbitration functions of the Bureau of Labor Relations. The Board shall be composed
of an Administrator and two (2) Deputy Administrators. It shall be an attached
agency under the administrative supervision of the Secretary of Labor and
Employment.
The Administrator and the Deputy Administrators shall be appointed by the

President upon recommendation of the Secretary of Labor and Employment. There
shall be as many Conciliators-Mediators as the needs of the public service require,
who shall have at least three (3) years of experience in handling labor relations and
who shall be appointed by the Secretary. The Board shall have its main office in
Metropolitan Manila and its Administrator shall exercise supervision over
Conciliators-Mediators and all its personnel. It shall establish as many branches as
there are administrative regions in the country, with as many Conciliators-Mediators
as shall be necessary for its effective operation. Each branch of the Board shall be
headed by an Executive Conciliator-Mediator.
The Board shall have the following functions:
(1) Formulate policies, programs, standards, procedures, manuals of operation and

guidelines pertaining to effective mediation and conciliation of labor disputes;
(2) Perform preventive mediation and conciliation functions;
(3) Coordinate and maintain linkages with other sectors or institutions, and other
government authorities concerned with matters relative to the prevention and
settlement of labor disputes;
(4) Formulate policies, plans, programs, standards, procedures, manuals of

operation and guidelines pertaining to the promotion of cooperative and non-

adversarial schemes, grievance handling, voluntary arbitration and other voluntary
modes of dispute settlement;
(5) Administer the voluntary arbitration program; maintain or update a list of

voluntary arbitrations; compile arbitration awards and decisions;
(6) Provide counselling and preventive mediation assistance particularly in the

administration of collective agreements;
(7) Monitor and exercise technical supervision over the Board programs being
implemented in the regional offices; and
Secretary.
The Tripartite Voluntary Arbitration Advisory Council, which is attached to the
National Conciliation and Mediation Board, shall advise the National and Conciliation
and Mediation Board on matters pertaining to the promotion of voluntary arbitration
as the preferred mode of dispute settlement.
The Tripartite Voluntary Arbitration Advisory Council shall consist of the
Administrator of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board as Chairman, one
other member from the government, two (2) members representing labor, and two
(2) other members representing management. The members shall be appointed by
the President to serve for a term of three (3) years. The Chairman and Members
shall serve without compensation.
CHAPTER 5 - Reigional Offices
Section 24. Regional Offices, District Offices and Provincial Extension Units. - The
Department is hereby authorized to establish, operate and maintain such
Department-wide Regional Offices, District Offices and Provincial Extension Units in
each of the administrative regions of the country, insofar as necessary to promote
economy and efficiency in the delivery of its services. Its Regional Office shall be
headed by a Regional Director who shall have supervision and control thereof. The
Regional Director, whenever necessary, shall be assisted by an Assistant Regional
Director. A Regional Office shall have, within its regional areas, the following
functions:
(1) Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and regulations of the
Department;
(2) Provide economical, efficient and effective service to the people;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments and agencies;
Secretary.
Section 25. Attached Agencies. - The following agencies are attached to the
Department for policy and program coordination and administrative supervision:
(1) National Wages Council;
(2) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration;
(3) Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) which shall include the

Executive Director of the ECC as an ex officio member of the Commission;
(4) The National Manpower and Youth Council;
(5) The National Labor Relations Commission;
(6) Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration;
(7) Maritime Training Council; and
(8) National Maritime Polytechnic.
Title VIII - NATIONAL DEFENSE
Subtitle I - Preliminary Provisions
CHAPTER 1 - National Defense Policies
Section 1. Declaration of Policies. - (1) The prime duty of the Government is to

serve and protect the people. Government may call upon the people to defend the
State and, in fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions
provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.
(2) Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of
the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the
sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.
CHAPTER 2 - National Security Council
Section 2. Declaration of Policies. - (1) The formulation of integrated and

rationalized national, foreign, military, political, economic, social and educational
policies, programs, and procedures vital to the security of the state.
(2) The national interest requires that an agency exist to formulate and adopt
policies, programs, and procedures on all matters pertaining to or affecting the
national security so that judgments and actions thereon by the President may rest
on sound advice and accurate information.
Section 3. Mandate. - The National Security Council shall serve as the lead agency
of the government for coordinating the formulation of policies, relating to or with
implications on the national security.
Section 4. Composition. - The National Security Council, hereinafter referred to as

Council, shall be composed of the President as Chairman, the Vice-President, the
Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Secretary, the Secretary of National
Defense, the Secretary of Justice, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, the
Secretary of Local Governments, the National Security Director, the Chief of Staff of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and such other government officials and
private individuals as the President may appoint.
Section 5. Powers and Functions. - In addition to such specific duties and

responsibilities as the President may direct, the Council shall:
(1) Advise the President with respect to the integration of domestic, foreign,
military, political, economic, social, and educational policies relating to the national
security so as to enable all concerned departments and agencies of the government
to meet more effectively, problems and matters involving the national security;
(2) Evaluate and analyze all information, events, and incidents in terms of the risks
they pose or implications upon or threats to the overall security and stability of the
nation, for the purpose of recommending to the President appropriate action
thereon;
(3) Formulate and coordinate the implementation of policies on matters of common

interest to the various departments, and agencies of the government concerned with
the national security, and make recommendations to the President in connection
therewith;
(4) Insure that policies adopted by the Council on national security are effectively
and efficiently implemented; and
(5) Make such recommendations or render such other reports as the President may
from time to time require.
Section 6. Executive Committee. - The Council shall have an Executive Committee

composed of the President as Chairman, and the Vice-President and Secretary of
Foreign Affairs, the Executive Secretary, the Secretary of National Defense, the
National Security Director, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
and such other members or advisers as the President may appoint from time to
time.
The Executive Committee shall review national security and defense problems and
formulate positions or solutions for consideration by the Council. It shall determine
the agenda and order of business of the Council, and shall ensure that decisions of
the Council are clearly communicated to the agencies involved. It shall advise the
President on the implementation of decisions.
To carry out the functions of the Executive Committee, the Chairman shall utilize the
facilities and expertise of any of the government agencies and instrumentalities and
shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the operations of the Executive
Committee.
Section 7. Secretariat. - The Council shall have a permanent Secretariat which shall
be under the supervision and control of the National Security Director. The National
Security Director shall be assisted by a Deputy who like the National Security
Director, shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the President. The
National Security Director shall attend and participate in meetings of the Cabinet
and have the privileges of a member thereof.
Section 8. Duties of Director. - Among other duties, the National Security Director
shall advise the President on matters pertaining to national security and, whenever
directed by the President, see to the implementation of decisions and policies by the
President or the National Security Council which have implications on national
security.
CHAPTER 3 - National Intelligence Coordinating Agency
Section 9. Functions. - The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, hereinafter

referred to as the Agency, shall:
(1) Serve as the focal point for coordination and integration of government activities
involving national intelligence;
(2) Prepare intelligence estimates of local and foreign situations for the formulation
of national policies by the President; and
(3) Provide support and assistance to the National Security Council.
Section 10. The Director-General. - The Agency shall be headed by a Director-

General who shall be assisted by a Deputy Director-General. Both officials shall be
appointed by the President and shall hold office at the pleasure of the President.
Section 11. The Deputy-Director General. - The Deputy Director-General shall assist
the Director-General in the performance of official functions and, in his absence,
perform the functions of the Director-General.
Section 12. Organizational Structure. - The organization of the Agency shall consist
of the following:
(1) The Office of the Director-General which shall undertake the overall
management and operation of the various components of the agency, provide
executive staff support, public relations, legal service, and internal audit for the
Agency;
(2) The Directorate for Operations, headed by the Assistant Director-General for
Operations, which shall be responsible for the collection of information;
(3) The Directorate for Production, headed by the Assistant Director-General for
Production, which shall be responsible for the preparation of intelligence estimates
and other reports, and the maintenance of automated data processing for the
Agency;
(4) The Directorate for Administration, headed by the Assistant Director-General for
Administration, which shall be responsible for personnel and training, transportation
and communications, supplies and materials, grounds and building maintenance,
security, and other support services;
(5) The Management and Planning Office which shall formulate plans, policies and
programs on the direction, integration and coordination of national intelligence
activities and on the operation and management improvement of the Agency;
(6) The Office of the Comptroller which shall, provide financial management and
control for the Agency; and
(7) As many Field Stations as may be determined by the Director-General which

shall undertake intelligence collection activities and provide reports necessary for
the preparation of assessments and estimates.
The organization and staffing pattern of the Agency shall be recommended by the
Director-General for approval of the President.
Section 13. Administrative Supervision By the National Security Council. - The

Agency shall be under the administrative supervision of, and give support services
to, the National Security Council; however, the agency may report directly to the
President, as the President may require.
Section 14. National Intelligence Board. - (1) The National Intelligence Board shall
serve as an advisory body to the Director of the Agency, on matters pertaining to
the integration and coordination of intelligence activities, and shall make
recommendations on such matters as the Director may from time to time submit to
it for consideration.
(2) The members of the National Intelligence Board shall be appointed by the
President. The National Security Director may sit in all meetings of the Board.
Subtitle II - Department of National Defense
Section 15. Declaration of Policy. - The defense establishment shall be maintained to

maximize its effectiveness for guarding against external and internal threats to
national peace and security and provide support for social and economic
development.
Section 16. General Military Council. - The General Military Council shall advise and
assist the Secretary in the formulation of military policies and shall consider and
report on such other matters as the Secretary may direct. The Council shall be
composed of the Secretary as Chairman; and the Undersecretary of National
Defense, the Chief of Staff, the Vice-chief of Staff, the Assistant Chief of Staff of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Commanders of the Major Services, as
members. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be
the Secretary of the Council.
Section 17. Prohibition on Detail of AFP Personnel. - No member of the armed forces
in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity
to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled
corporations or any of their subsidiaries.
Section 18. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall be composed of the
Secretary, the Undersecretary and Assistant Secretaries and their immediate staffs
as determined by them respectively, and such other bodies as are provided by law.
The Government Arsenal, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office,
Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Defense College of the Philippines and the
Integrated National Police shall be under the supervision and control of the
Department, except as may be provided by special laws.
Secretary and his immediate staff as determined by him.
Section 20. Office of the Undersecretary. - The functions of the Undersecretary shall
be as follows:
Department's objectives and policies;
(2) Oversee all the operational activities of the Department for which he shall be
responsible to the Secretary;
(3) Coordinate the programs and projects of the Department, and be responsible for
its economical, efficient, and effective administration;
(4) Serve as deputy to the Secretary, in all matters relating to the operations of the
Department; and
When the Secretary is unable to perform his duties owing to illness, absence, or
other cause, as in case of vacancy in the Office, the Undersecretary shall
temporarily perform the functions of said Office.
Section 21. Executive Staff . - The Executive Staff shall be composed of the Staff for
Plans and Programs, Staff for Installation and Logistics, Staff for Public Affairs, Staff
for Strategic Assessment, Staff for Comptrollership, Staff for Personnel, and the
Legal Service.
Section 22. The Service Staff . - The Service Staff shall be composed of the
Administrative Services Office, and Information Management Office.
Section 23. Personal Staff . - There shall be a Personal Staff as may be determined
by the Secretary.
CHAPTER 3 - Government Arsenal
Section 24. Organization. - The Government Arsenal shall be headed by a Director

who shall be assisted by one or more Assistant Directors. It shall have staff and
operating units provided by law.
Section 25. Qualification. - The Director and Assistant Directors shall have the
expertise, training or experience in the field of munitions.
Section 26. Functions. - (1) The Arsenal shall:
(1) Establish, operate, and maintain government arsenal;
(2) Formulate plans and programs to achieve self-sufficiency in arms, mortars and
other weapons and munitions;
(3) Design, develop, manufacture, procure, stockpile, and allocate arms, mortars
and other weapons and munitions without the necessity of obtaining any permits or
licenses, and devise ways and means for the efficient mobilization of civilian industry
to augment the production of the Arsenal in times of emergency; and
CHAPTER 4 - Office of Civil Defense
Section 27. Organization. - The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by an

Administrator who shall be assisted by a Deputy Administrator. The Office shall have
staff and operating units as may be provided by law.
Section 28. Functions. - The Office shall:
(1) In times of war and other national emergencies of equally grave character,
coordinate the activities and functions of various government agencies and
instrumentalities, as well as of private institutions and civic organization devoted to
public welfare to maximize the utilization of the facilities and resources of the entire
nation for the protection and preservation of the civilian population and property;
(2) Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and assistance
program to include the estimation of the total material, manpower fiscal
requirements for carrying out the said program and coordinate the allocation to local
government units such aid in facilities, materials and funds as may be made
available by the national government;
(3) Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of the national government, local
governments, private institutions and civic organization for civil preparedness;
(4) Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating and training the
public on civil defense measures and activities; and
Section 29. Operating Services. - The Administrator shall, subject to the approval of
the Secretary of National Defense, prescribe the organization, functions, duties and
responsibilities of civil defense units on the national and local government levels, in
connection with the various operating units for civil defense. Civil defense operating
units shall be established for the national and local government defense
organizations. The local units shall operate under the supervision and control of the
respective heads of the local government civil defense organizations to which they
appertain.
Section 30. Basic, Technical and Administrative Services. - (1) The basic services of
the AFP shall be composed of the Major Services. Enlisted personnel of the standing
force and the reserve force must belong to one of the basic services.
(2) The technical services of the AFP shall be composed of the Medical Corps, Dental
Service, Nurse Corps, Veterinary Corps and the Judge Advocate General Service.
(3) The administrative services shall consist of the Chaplain Service, Women
Auxiliary Corps, Medical Administrative Corps and the Corps of Professors.
(4) Appropriate military occupational specialties may be prescribed by the Chief of

Staff for each of the basic, technical and administrative services.
(5) Appointment of officers to the basic, technical and administrative services, and
enlistment in the basic service shall be governed by rules and regulations prescribed
by the Secretary of National Defense.
CHAPTER 5 - Philippine Veterans Affairs Office
Section 31. Organization. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be headed by
an Administrator who may be assisted by one Deputy Administrator. It shall have
staff and operating units provided by law.
Section 32. Functions. - The Office shall: (1) Formulate and promulgate, subject to
the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, policies, rules and regulations
governing the adjudication and administration of veterans claims and benefit;
(2) Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges granted to
veterans, their heirs and beneficiaries;
(3) Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing law;
(4) Administer, develop, and maintain military shrines;
(5) Formulate policies concerning the affairs, placement and training of ex-
servicemen, and assist their widows and dependents, and other retired military
personnel; and
CHAPTER 6 - Armed Forces of the Philippines
Section 33. Functions. - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall:
(1) Uphold the sovereignty, support the Constitution, and defend the territory of the
Republic of the Philippines against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
(2) Promote and advance the national aims, goals, interests and policies;
(3) Plan, organize, maintain, develop and deploy its regular and citizen reserve
forces for national security; and
(4) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by higher
authorities.
Section 34. Composition. -
(1) The AFP shall be composed of a citizen armed force which shall undergo military
training and serve, as may be provided by law. It shall be organized and maintained
in a manner that shall render it capable of rapid expansion from a peacetime

organization to a wartime or emergency organization. The AFP shall keep a regular
force necessary for the security of the State. The officers and men of the regular
force shall be recruited proportionately from all provinces and cities as far as
practicable.
(2) The Standing Force shall be composed of regular officers and enlisted personnel;
reservists called to active duty; draftees; trainees and government-sponsored
Filipino cadets enrolled in local or foreign military schools. In time of peace, the size
and composition of the Standing Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary of
National Defense, upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
(3) The Citizen Armed Force shall be composed of all reservists, and officers and
enlisted men on inactive status. All Able-bodied citizens shall undergo military
training, after which they shall become reservists with appropriate ranks. All
reservists in a particular locality shall be organized into reserve geographical units
subject to call and mobilization as the need arises, individually or as a unit. The
Secretary of National Defense shall prescribe and implement a continuing program
of recruitment and training for the Citizen Armed Force to enable it to respond to all
types of threats to national security.
Section 35. Organizational Structure. - The AFP shall consist of the General
Headquarters; the Major Services namely: the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air
Force, the Philippine Navy and, until otherwise provided by law, the Philippine
Constabulary; and other existing units, services and commands of the AFP. The
Secretary of National Defense may, in accordance with the policies or directives of
the President, create additional units, services and commands, or reorganize the
AFP in response to any situation or in pursuance of operational or contingency plans.
No Major Service may be unfilled, inactivated or merged with another Service,
without the approval of the Congress.
Section 36. Basic, Technical and Administrative Service. - (1) The basic services of
the AFP shall be composed of the major services. Enlisted personnel of the standing
force and the reserve force must belong to one of basic services.
(2) The technical services of the AFP shall be composed of Medical Corps, Dental
Service, Nurse Corps, Veterinary Corps and the Judge Advocate General Service.
(3) The administrative service shall consist of the Chaplain Service, Women Auxiliary
Corps, Medical Administrative Corps and the Corps of Professors.
(4) Appropriate military occupational specialties may be prescribed by the Chief of

Staff for each of the basic, technical and administrative services.
(5) Appointment of officers to the basic, technical and administrative by rules and
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense.
Section 37. The Citizen Armed Forced. - (1) The Secretary of National Defense shall
cause the organization of the Citizen Armed Force into Geographical Units
throughout the country. The Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units shall consist of
cadre of officers and men in the Standing Force and all qualified reservists residing
in a particular locality. The cadre may, however, be assigned to another unit in the
active force while the Geographical Units to which they are assigned are on inactive
status.
(2) Whenever dictated by military necessity, and upon the recommendation of the
Secretary of National Defense and approved by the President, the Citizen Armed
Force may be called or mobilized to complement the operations of the regular force
of the AFP or to support the regular force formations or units. For this purpose,
Active Auxiliary Units which shall be part of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical
Units, may be utilized, to be constituted out of volunteers to be screened in
consultations with the local executives and civic business leaders. The status of
Active Auxiliary Units shall be of a degree of activation of military reservists short of
full active duty status. They shall not be vested with law-enforcement or police
functions.
(3) All members of the Citizen Armed Force on training or service shall be subject to
military law and the Articles of War.
Section 38. Tactical and Territorial Organization. - Unless otherwise prescribed by

law, the major services and other units of the AFP may be organized into such
commands, forces and organizations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of
National Defense. For this purpose, the territory of the Philippines may be divided
into such tactical and geographical areas and zones or regions and districts as the
Secretary of National Defense may direct.
Section 39. Organizational Principles. - The organizational structure of the AFP shall
provide for:
(1) Centralized direction and control of General Headquarters to insure unity and
coordination of efforts throughout the military establishment;
(2) Decentralized execution of operations to the Major Services and other separate
units to achieve maximum operational efficiency within the military establishment;
(3) Common doctrine, standardized procedures and techniques throughout the

military establishment to assure common understanding among all its forces and
elements, facilitating thereby the attainment of maximum operational efficiency and
effectiveness;
(4) Development of self-reliance concepts for each Major Service to insure national
defense and security and maximum utilization of resources; and
(5) Development of the capability to participate in the infrastructure projects of the

government.
CHAPTER 7 - General Headquarters
Section 40. Functions. - The General Headquarters, AFP, shall:
(1) Serve as military advisor and staff to the Secretary of National Defense;
(2) Prepare strategic plans and provide for the strategic direction of the AFP,
including the direction of operations of unified or specified commands;
(3) Prepare integrated logistic responsibilities in accordance with those plans;
(4) Prepare integrated plans for military mobilization;
(5) Provide adequate, timely and reliable joint intelligence for use within the
Department;
(6) Review major personnel, material and logistic requirements of the AFP in
relation to strategic and logistic plans;
(7) Review plans and programs of the Major Services and separate units to
determine their adequacy, feasibility and suitability for the performance of
their respective detailed plans;
(8) Participate in the preparation of combined plans or military action in
conjunction with the armed forces of other nations;
(9) Recommend to the Secretary of National Defense the establishment and
force structure of unified or specified commands;
(10) Determine the headquarters support, such as facilities, personnel and
communications required by unified or specified commands, and assign the
responsibility of providing that support to appropriate Major Services;
(11) Prepare and submit to the Secretary of National Defense for his
consideration in the preparation of budgets and statements of military
requirements based upon strategic war plans, tasks, priority of tasks, force
requirements, and general strategic guidance for the development of military
force;
(12) Advise and assist the Secretary of National Defense on research and
engineering matters by submitting periodic reports on board strategic
guidance, overall military requirements, and relative military importance of
development activities to meet the needs of the AFP;
(13) Prepare and submit to the secretary of National Defense
recommendations to appropriate agencies concerning general strategic
guidance for the development of industrial mobilization programs;
(14) Formulate policies and guidelines on the organization of the Major
Services and other elements of the military establishment, the training of
military forces, the employment of forces in the prosecution of tasks required
by law, and the employment of forces to assist government agencies in the
implementation of laws and regulations when so directed by higher authorities;
and
(15) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by
higher authorities.
Section 41. Composition. - The General Headquarters shall be the command and
control element of the AFP. It shall be composed of the Office of the Chief of Staff,
Office of the Vice-Chief of Staff, the AFP General Staff, and other staff offices and
units necessary for effective command and control of the AFP.
Section 42. The Chief of Staff . - (1) The Chief of Staff, under the authority and
direction of the President and the Secretary of National Defense shall be responsible
for the development and execution of the national defense programs and armed
forces mission; and prescribe, in accordance with policies of the Secretary of
National Defense, the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff,
services, installations and other units of the AFP.
(2) The President shall nominate and with the consent of the Commission on
Appointments, appoint the Chief of Staff from among the general and flag officers of
the basic services. He shall hold the grade of general (Four-Star) and shall if eligible
be retired in such a grade, upon relief from his assignment.
(3) The tour of duty of the Chief of Staff shall not exceed three (3) years. However,
in times of war or other national emergency declared by the Congress, the President
may extend such tour of duty.
Section 43. Vice-Chief of Staff . - The Vice-Chief of Staff shall be the principal
assistant of the Chief of Staff and shall perform the functions of the Chief of Staff
during the latter's absence or disability. He shall be appointed in the same manner
as the Chief of Staff and shall hold the grade of Lieutenant General (Three-Star). He
shall be retired in that grade if eligible for retirement after his relief from his
assignment, unless appointed as Chief of Staff.
Section 44. The AFP General Staff . - The AFP General Staff shall advise and assist
the Chief of Staff in the performance of his functions and in the accomplishment of
the tasks of the General Headquarters. It shall be headed by the Deputy Chief of
Staff, who shall be appointed by the Chief of Staff. The AFP General Staff shall be a
joint staff. The various General Staff Offices shall each be headed by a Deputy Chief
of Staff whose appointment and tenure shall be determined by the Chief of Staff.
The organization, functions and duties of the General Staff shall be prescribed by
the Chief of Staff.
Section 45. Authority to Reorganize the General Headquarters. - (1) The Secretary
of National Defense, upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff in the interest of
efficiency and economy, may:
(a) Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the General Headquarters in
addition to the Armed Forces General Staff, and prescribe the titles, functions and
duties of their members;
(b) Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the General Headquarters not
specifically provided in this Chapter or by any other provision of law, or transfer or
consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, offices or units; and
(c) Abolish the position of any Deputy Chief of Staff or any general staff office and
transfer or consolidate its functions and duties with those of another Deputy Chief of
Staff or General Staff Office
(2) If the President does not prescribe otherwise, the organization, functions, and
duties of various staffs, offices and units in the General Headquarters shall continue
as provided under existing laws and regulations not in conflict with provisions of this
Chapter.
CHAPTER 8 - Major Services
Section 46. Organization.- The Major Services shall be organized by the Chief of
Staff in accordance with the policies laid down by the Secretary of National Defense.
The commanders of the Major Services shall hold such grade as provided by law,
and shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary
of National Defense.
Section 47. General Provisions. - The Secretary of National Defense, upon

recommendation of the Chief of Staff, AFP, shall assign to the Major Services specific
functions in support of the overall responsibilities of the AFP and the Department.
Section 48. The Philippine Army. - The Philippine Army shall be responsible for the
conduct of operations on land, in coordination with the other Major Services. It shall
be organized as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, upon
recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
Section 49. Functions. - The Philippine Army shall:
(1) Organize, train and equip forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained
operations on land;
(2) Prepare such units as may be necessary for the effective prosecution of the
national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions, including the
expansion of the peacetime army component to meet any emergency;
(3) Develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, tactics, techniques and
equipment of interest to the army for field operations;
(4) Organize, train and equip all army reserve units; and
authorities.
Section 50. The Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force shall be responsible
for the air defense of the Philippines. It shall be organized as prescribed by the
Secretary of National Defense, upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
Section 51. Functions. - The Philippine Air Force shall:
(1) Organize, train, and equip forces for prompt and sustained air operations for the
defense of the Philippines;
(2) Organize, train, and equip for airlift, airborne and tactical air operations
unilaterally or in coordination with surface forces;
(3) Formulate and develop doctrines, concepts, systems, policies, procedures,

strategies, tactics and techniques for operations peculiar to the Air Force;
(4) Organize, train, and equip all air force reserve units; and
authorities.
Section 52. The Philippine Navy. - The Philippine Navy shall be responsible for the
naval defense of the Philippines. It shall be organized as prescribed by the Secretary
of National Defense, upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
Section 53. Functions. - The Philippine Navy shall:
(1) Organize, train and equip forces for prompt and sustained naval operations;
(2) Prepare the necessary naval units for the effective enforcement of all applicable
laws upon the Philippine seas and waters, the prosecution of national defense plans
and programs and armed forces missions, including the expansion of a peacetime
navy component to meet any emergency;
(3) Formulate and develop doctrines, concepts, systems, policies, procedures,

strategies, tactics and techniques for operations peculiar to the Navy;
(4) Enforce laws and regulations pertaining to navigation safety of life at sea,
immigration, customs revenues, narcotics, quarantine, fishing and neutrality of the
territory contiguous waters of the Philippines;
(5) Organize, train and equip all naval reserve units; and
(6) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law of assigned by higher
authorities.
Section 54. The Philippine Coast Guard. - The Philippine Coast Guard shall remain as
a major subordinate unit of the Philippine Navy and assigned functions pertaining to
safety of life at sea as vested in it by law.
Section 55. The Philippine Constabulary. - Unless otherwise provided by law, the
Philippine Constabulary, as the national police force, shall be primarily responsible
for the preservation of peace and order and the enforcement of laws throughout the
Philippines. It shall be organized, trained and equipped primarily as a law
enforcement agency. It shall be organized as prescribed by the Secretary of National
Defense upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff.
Section 56. Functions. - (1) The Philippine Constabulary shall:
(a) Prevent and suppress lawless violence, rebellion, insurrection, riots, brigandage,
breaches of the peace and other disturbances, and see to it that perpetrators of
those offenses are brought to justice;
(b) Organize, retain, equip and prepare its forces for effective law enforcement
operations and police duties;
(c) Organize, train and equip constabulary draftees, reservists and reserve units;
(d) Develop tactics, techniques, organization, weapons, equipment and supplies

essential to the accomplishment of its missions; and
(e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by higher
authorities.
(2) In times of war or national emergency, the Philippine Constabulary or any of its
subordinate units may be employed jointly with, or in support of the operations of,
the other Major Services, as the President may direct.
Section 57. Authority of Constabulary Officers and Enlisted Personnel. - (1)

Commissioned officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Constabulary, as
peace officers, shall execute lawful warrants and orders of arrest issued against any
person for any violation of law.
(2) The Philippine Constabulary shall have police jurisdiction throughout the
Philippines.
(3) When the constabulary forces in any area are unable to cope effectively with
violations of law, the Secretary of National Defense in accordance with the policies
or directives of the President, may assign or detail commissioned officers and
enlisted personnel of the Army, Air Force, or Navy, to the Philippine Constabulary or
any of its subordinate units. The officers and enlisted personnel so assigned or
detailed shall have the authority and duties of peace officers and shall be governed
by the provisions of this section for the duration of their assignment or detail.
CHAPTER 9 - Philippine Military Academy
Section 58. Organization. - (1) The Philippine Military Academy is the primary
training and educational institution of the AFP. It shall be the primary sources of
regular officers of the Standing Force.
(2) The Academy shall be organized as prescribed by the Secretary of National

Defense, upon recommendation of the Chief of Staff, AFP.
(3) The student body of the Academy shall be known as the Cadet Corps of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (CC-AFP) and shall have such strength as the
Secretary of National Defense shall determine upon the recommendation of the
Chief of Staff, and within the strength limited by the annual Appropriation Act.
(4) There shall be an Academic Board organized by the Chief of Staff, which shall be
composed of not more than fifteen (15) members selected from the officers of the
Academy upon recommendation of the Superintendent. The Board shall, in
accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Chief of Staff, have the
power to confer baccalaureate degrees upon the cadets who satisfactorily complete
the approved course of study.
Section 59. Functions. - The Academy shall prepare the candidates for commission
in the regular force of the AFP and shall instruct, train and develop cadets so that
each graduate shall possess the characters, the broad and basic military skills and
the education essential to the successful pursuit of a progressive military career.
CHAPTER 10 - National Defense College of the Philippines
Section 60. Organization and Administration. - (1) The National Defense College of
the Philippines, hereafter referred to as the College, shall be under the direction,
supervision and control of the Secretary of National Defense.
(2) The College shall be headed by a President who shall administer the affairs of
the College with the assistance of an Executive Vice-President, a Vice-President for
Academic Affairs, a Vice-President for Administrative Affairs and a Vice-President for
Research and Special Studies. The Executive Vice-President shall act for the
President in his absence and shall perform such other functions as may be assigned
to him by the President.
(3) The Vice-President for Academic Affairs shall be responsible for the
development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of academic programs;
the Vice-President for Administrative Affairs, for the overall administrative support to
all the activities of the College; and the Vice-President for Research and Special
Studies, on the conduct of research work and special studies.
(4) The College shall have an Academic Board to assist the President discharge the
(a) Supervise the academic affairs of the College;
(b) Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors, research

assistants and other resource persons of the College; and
(c) Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the College to accomplish

its objectives.
The Board shall be composed of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs as
Chairman, and the Heads of the various academic disciplines as members, who shall
be designated by the President subject to the approval of the Secretary of National
Defense.
(5) All resource persons of the College including but not limited to academic
consultants, professors, lecturers, instructor, thesis advisers, members of examining
and evaluating panels, examiners, correctors, and technicians who are regularly
employed in the Government shall, in addition to their salaries, be entitled to
receive honoraria, fees and other emoluments fixed by the Secretary of National
Defense.
Section 61. Powers and Functions. - (1) The College shall train and develop the
skills and competence of potential national defense leaders, civilian officials of the
different agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and selected executives
from the private sector in the formulation and implementation of national security
policies, and for high command and staff duty.
(2) The College shall have the power to confer the degree of Master in National
Security Administration (MNSA) upon all its students who have satisfactorily
completed the prescribed course of study.
Section 62. Graduates of the Regular Course of the College. - (1) Graduates of the
College will receive for purposes of promotion to key and sensitive positions in the
military and civilian offices, preferential consideration and/or credit points in the
grade or class of their respective positions.
(2) All civilian graduates who are holders of the degree of Master in National
Security Administration shall qualify for appointment to the initial rank of Lieutenant
Colonel in the reserve force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
(3) Authority to use with honor the abbreviation MNSA after their names is hereby
given to all graduates of the regular course of the College.
CHAPTER 11 - Integrated national Police
Section 63. Composition. - Unless otherwise provided by law, the Integrated

National Police shall be composed of the Philippine Constabulary as the nucleus and
the Integrated Police Force, Fire Services and Jail Management Services as
components, under the Department of National Defense.
Section 64. Organizational Structures. - The Chief of Constabulary shall prescribe,

subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, the table of
organization and equipment, ranks, and position titles, functions, duties and powers
of the various staffs, services, installations and other units of the Integrated
National Police. The different headquarters of the Philippine Constabulary in the
national, zone or regional and provincial levels shall be the nuclei of the
corresponding headquarters of the Integrated National Police. The appropriate
offices in the different headquarters levels may be jointly staffed by the
constabulary, police, jail and fire service officers and personnel so that an integrated
police and public safety services would be effectively discharged.
Section 65. Head of the Integrated National Police. - The Chief of Constabulary to be
known as Director-General shall be the head of the Integrated National Police. He
shall have command of all elements thereof. He may issue from time to time
instructions regarding personnel, funds, records, property, correspondence and such
other matters to carry out the provisions of this Chapter. As Director-General, the
Chief of Constabulary shall be assisted by the Deputy Chiefs of Constabulary, the
general staff and the special, administrative and technical staffs of the Philippine
Constabulary.
Section 66. Functions. - The Integrated National Police shall:
(1) Enforce law and maintain peace and order;

(2) Insure public safety;
(3) Prevent and control fires;
(4) Administer city and municipal jails; and
(5) Perform such other functions provided by law or assigned by higher
authorities.
Section 67. Authority of the President Over the Integrated National Police. - In the
exercise of its power to maintain peace, law, order, and public safety, the Integrated
National Police shall be subject to the command and supervision and control of the
President and shall function directly under the Secretary of National Defense.
Section 68. Attached Agencies. - Agencies which are attached to the Department
shall operate in accordance with their respective organizational structures and
perform the functions and duties assigned to them by law, subject to the
requirements of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Subtitle III - The National Police Commission
Section 69. Declaration of Policy. - (1) The State shall establish and maintain one
police force which shall be national in scope and civilian in character, to be
administered and controlled by a national police commission and shall provide, by
law, the authority of local executives over the police units in their jurisdiction.
(2) The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property,
and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the
people of the blessings of democracy.
Section 70. The National Police Commission. - Unless otherwise provided by law, the
National Police Commission shall be under the control and supervision of the Office
of the President and shall continue to operate in accordance with its present
organizational structure and perform the functions and duties assigned to it by law.
Section 71. Powers and Functions. - As provided by law, the Commission shall
exercise the following functions:
(1) Investigate, decide, and review administrative cases against members of the
Integrated National Police;
(2) Adjudicate death and permanent disability benefit claims of members of the
Integrated National Police;
(3) Administer appropriate examinations for the police, fire and jail services;
(4) Attest appointments of members of the Integrated National Police;
(5) Inspect and audit the performance of the Integrated National Police;
(6) Prepare a National Crime Prevention Program and coordinate its implementation
upon approval by the President; and
(7) Perform other duties provided by law or assigned by higher authorities.
Title IX - HEALTH
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; adopt an
integrated and comprehensive approach to health development, with priority for the
underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women and children; endeavor to make
essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at
affordable cost; establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory
system; and undertake appropriate health manpower development and research,
responsive to the country's health needs and problems.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall be primarily responsible for the

formulation, planning, implementation, and coordination of policies and programs in
the field of health. The primary function of the Department is the promotion,
protection, preservation or restoration of the health of the people through the
provision and delivery of health services and through the regulation and
encouragement of providers of health goods and services.
(1) Define the national health policy and formulate and implement a national health
plan within the framework of the government's general policies and plans, and
present proposals to appropriate authorities on national issues which have health
implications;
(2) Provide for health programs, services, facilities and other requirements as may
be needed, subject to availability of funds and administrative rules and regulations;
(3) Coordinate or collaborate with, and assist local communities, agencies and
interested groups including international organizations in activities related to health;
(4) Administer all laws, rules and regulations in the field of health, including
quarantine laws and food and drug safety laws;
(5) Collect, analyze and disseminate statistical and other relevant information on the
country's health situation, and require the reporting of such information from
appropriate sources;
(6) Propagate health information and educate the population on important health,
medical and environmental matters which have health implications;
(7) Undertake health and medical research and conduct training in support of its
priorities, programs and activities;
(8) Regulate the operation of and issue licenses and permits to government and
private hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, laboratories, blood banks, drugstores and
such other establishments which by the nature of their functions are required to be
regulated by the Department;
(9) Issue orders and regulations concerning the implementation of established

health policies; and

Department Proper, National Health Facilities, Regional Offices, Provincial Health
Offices, District Health Offices and Local Health Agencies.
Section 5. Department Proper. - The Department Proper shall be composed of the

Office of the Secretary, the Office for Management Services, the Office for Public
Health Services, the Office for Hospital and Facilities Services, the Office for
Standards and Regulations, and the Executive Committee for National Field
Operations.
the Secretary of Health and his immediate staff; the undersecretary acting as Chief
of Staff in the Office of the Secretary; the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs; the
Assistant Secretary for Financial, Operations and Front Line Services Audit; and the
Staff Services for the Secretary.
Section 7. Duties of the Undersecretary Acting as Chief of Staff . - The

Undersecretary acting as Chief of Staff in the Office of the secretary, shall supervise
the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, the Assistant Secretary for Financial
Operations, and Front Line Services Audit, and the Staff Support Services to the
Secretary; and head the secretariat of the Executive Committee for National Field
Operations.
Section 8. Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs. - The Assistant
Secretary for Legal Affairs shall head the office that shall provide the Secretary with
legal advice on all policy, program and operational matters of the Department; act
as Counsel for the Department in cases in which it is a party; handle administrative
cases against Department personnel and submit recommendations pertaining
thereto; and review legislative proposals.
Section 9. Duties of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Operation. - The Assistant
Secretary for Financial Operations, and Front Line Services Audit shall head the
office that shall monitor the Department's financial affairs, internal operations, and
the delivery of frontline services with a view to assuring the integrity of the
Department's financial operations and the requirements of the Commission on
Audit; optimizing the internal operating efficiency of the Department and its field
offices; and ensuring that the Department's constituencies are provided front line
services from the Department with the adequacy, quality, and efficiency that they
are entitled to.
Section 10. The Staff Support Services. - The following Staff Support Services shall
undertake such staff services intended to assist the Secretary in performing his
functions;
(1) Community Health Service which shall provide services related to formulating
and implementing plans and programs for coordinating with local governments and
non-government organizations in health related activities, programs and projects;
(2) Public Information and Health Education Service which shall provide services
related to formulating and implementing plans, programs, and projects for public
education on health and for the timely and accurate public communication of
Department policy on health issues;
(3) Health Intelligence Service which shall provide services related to the
formulation of disease intelligence, assessment of the state of health of the country
and development and maintenance of effective and comprehensive health
information system to support planning and implementation of health programs;
(4) Internal Planning Service which shall provide the Department with necessary
services related to planning, programming and project development;
(5) Foreign Assistance Coordination Service which shall provide staff services related
to the development, coordination, monitoring, reporting and assessment of foreign
assisted projects of the Department.

Undersecretaries who shall exercise the following functions;
(1) Advise the Secretary in the promulgation of Department orders, administrative

orders and other issuances;
(2) Exercise supervision and control over the offices, services, operating units and
individuals under their authority and responsibility;
(3) Recommend the promulgation of rules and regulations, consistent with

Department policies, that will effectively implement the activities of operating units
under their authority and responsibility;
(4) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under their authority with
that of the Undersecretaries and regional health directors;
(5) Exercise delegated authority on substantive and administrative matters related

to the functions and activities of agencies under their office to the extent granted by
the Secretary through administrative issuances;
(6) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or appropriately

Section 12. Office for Management Services. - The Office for Management Services,
headed by an Undersecretary who shall be supported by an Assistant Secretary,
shall include six (6) staff services involved in providing support services to the
Department Proper, field offices and attached agencies, which are as follows:
(1) Financial Services which shall provide the Department with staff advice and
assistance on accounting, budget and financial matters; supervise the coordinated
preparation and implementation of annual and long term financial and work plan
and budget estimates; conduct periodic department-wide performance and financial
reviews; and design and implement improvements in financial management
systems, procedures and practices;
(2) Management Advisory Service which shall provide staff advice and assistance on
internal control and management system improvement, including management
information systems; supervise the establishment of a management accounting
system, control procedures and management information systems for improved
decision-making;
(3) Health Manpower Development and Training Service which shall formulate plans,
policies, standards and techniques for the effective and efficient manpower
development and training of Department personnel; provide consultative, training
and advisory services to implementing agencies; conduct studies and research
related to health manpower development and training; and develop plans and
programs for improved recruitment, deployment, development, and maintenance of
personnel;
(4) Procurement and Logistics Service which shall undertake the central
procurement of the health care products and supplies needed by the Department
and its field offices which are not produced by or beyond the production capacity of
its in-house production facilities; and ensure the proper, adequate and timely flow of
health products and services to the Department's field offices;
(5) Biological Production Services which shall formulate plans, policies, programs,
standards and techniques for the processing, manufacture, standardization, and
improvement of biological products for Department use; manufacture vaccines,
sera, anti-iodins, and other biologicals; provide consultative training and advisory
services to implementing agencies; and conduct studies and research related to
biological production, distribution and use;

(6) Administrative Service which shall provide the Department with efficient and
effective services relating to personnel, records, collections, disbursements, security,
custodial work, and other general services not covered by the preceding Services.
CHAPTER 4 - Offices and Bureaus
Section 13. Office for Public Health Services. - The Office for Public Health Services,
headed by an Undersecretary, shall include ten (10) staff services involved in policy
formulation, standards development, programs development, and program
monitoring of disease control and service delivery programs implemented by the
field offices. The Undersecretary for Public Health Services, who shall be supported
by an Assistant Secretary, shall supervise the following:
(1) Maternal and Child Health Services which shall formulate plans, policies,
programs, standards and techniques relative to maternal and child health; provide
consultative training and advisory services to implementing agencies; and conduct
studies and research related to health services for mothers and children;
(2) Tuberculosis Control Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs,
standards and techniques relative to control morbidity and mortality from
tuberculosis; provide consultative, training and advisory services to implementing
agencies; and conduct studies and research related to tuberculosis;
(3) Family Planning Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs,
standards and techniques relative to family planning in the context of health and
family welfare; provide consultative, training and advisory services to implementing
agencies; and conduct studies and research related to family planning;
(4) Environmental Health Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs,
standards and techniques relative to environmental health and sanitation; provide
consultative, training and advisory services to implementing agencies; and conduct
studies and research related to environmental health;
(5) Nutrition Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs, standards and
techniques relative to nutrition services in the context of primary health care,
provide consultative, training and advisory services to implementing agencies; and
conduct studies and research related to Nutrition;
(6) Dental Health Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs, standards
and techniques relative to dental health services; provide consultative, training and
advisory services to implementing agencies; and conduct studies and research
related to dental services.
(7) Malaria Control Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs,
standards and techniques relative to the control of malaria; provide consultative,
training and advisory services to implementing agencies; and conduct studies and
research to malaria and its control;
(8) Schistosomiasis Control Service which shall formulate plans, policies, programs,
standards and techniques relative to the control of schistosomiasis; provide
consultative, training and advisory services to implementing agencies; and conduct
studies and research related to schistosomiasis and its control;
(9) Communicable Disease Control Service which shall formulate plans, policies,
programs, standards and techniques relative to the control of communicable
diseases, other than the major causes or mortality and morbidity, such as leprosy,
sexually transmitted diseases, filariasis and others; provide consultative, training
and advisory services to implementing agencies; and conduct studies and research
related to these other communicable diseases;
(10) Non-communicable Disease Control Services which shall formulate plans,

policies, programs, standards and techniques relative to the control of non-
communicable diseases; provide consultative, training and advisory services to
implementing agencies; and conduct studies and research related to mental illness,
cardiovascular-diseases, cancer, other non-communicable diseases, and
occupational health.
Section 14. Office for Hospital and Facilities Services. - The Office for Hospital and
Facilities Services, headed by an Undersecretary who shall be supported by an
Assistant Secretary, shall include four (4) staff services involved in policy
formulation, standards development, program monitoring and provision of
specialized assistance in the operations of hospitals and the management of
facilities, which are as follows:
(1) Hospital Operations and Management Service which shall formulate and
implement plans, programs, policies, standards and techniques related to
management improvement and quality control of hospital operations; provide
consultative, training and advisory services to field offices in relation to the
supervision and management of hospital components; and conduct studies and
research related to hospital operations and management;
(2) Radiation Health Service which shall formulate and implement plans, policies,
programs, standards and techniques to ensure radiation health safety; provide
consultative, monitoring, training and advisory services to private and government
facilities with radiation-emitting apparatus; and conduct studies and research
related to radiation health;
(3) Hospital Maintenance Service which shall formulate and implement plans,
programs, policies, standards and techniques related to assuring the proper
maintenance of Department equipment; provide consultative, training and advisory
services to implementing agencies in relation to preservation, repair and
maintenance of medical and non-medical equipment of the Department; and
conduct studies and research related to equipment and facility maintenance;
(4) Health Infrastructure Service which shall formulate and implement plans,
policies, programs, standards and techniques related to development and
preservation of health infrastructure; provide consultative, training and advisory
services to implementing agencies in relation to infrastructure projects to assure
economical and efficient implementation; and conduct studies and research related
to infrastructure development and utilization.
Section 15. Office for Standards and Regulations. - The Office for Standards and
Regulations, headed by an Undersecretary and supported by an Assistant Secretary,
shall include three (3) bureaus and one (1) national office that shall be responsible
for the formulation of regulatory policies and standards over the various areas of
concern in the health sector, whose implementation shall be the general
responsibility of the Department's regional field offices. The same bureaus shall also
be responsible for those areas of activity covered by regulatory policy to provide the
Secretary with current information on the status of these regulated areas of activity
and to provide the Secretary with a basis for preliminary evaluation of the efficiency
of the Department's field offices in performing their regulatory functions. The same
bureaus shall conduct studies and research pertinent to their areas of responsibility .
In certain instances the bureaus may also perform consultative, training and
advisory services to the practitioners and institutions in the area of regulated
activity. The same bureaus and national office are the following:
(1) Bureau of Research and Laboratories which shall develop and formulate plans,
standards and policies for the establishment and accreditation and licensing of
laboratories; blood banks and entities handling biological products, provide
consultative, training and advisory services to public and private laboratories; and
conduct studies and research related to laboratory procedures and operations;
(2) Bureau of Food and Drugs which shall act as the policy formulation and sector
monitoring arm of the Secretary on matters pertaining to foods, drugs, traditional
medicines, cosmetics and household products containing hazardous substances, and
the formulation of rules, regulations and standards in accordance with Republic Act
3720 (1963), as amended by Executive Order No. 175, s. 1987, and other pertinent
laws for their proper enforcement; prescribe general standards and guidelines with
respect to the veracity of nutritional and medicinal claims in the advertisement of
food, drugs and cosmetics in the various media, to monitor such advertisements;
advise the Department's field offices to call upon any erring manufacturer,
distributor, or advertiser to desist from such inaccurate or misleading nutritional or
medicinal claims in their advertising; should such manufacturer, distributor, or
advertiser refuse or fail to obey the desistance order issued by the Bureau, he shall
be subject to the applicable penalties as may be prescribed by law and regulations;
the Bureau shall provide consultative, training and advisory services to all agencies
and organizations involved in food and drug manufacturing and distribution with
respect to assuring safety and efficacy of food and drugs; conduct studies and
research related to food and drug safety; maintain a corps of specially trained food
and drugs inspectors for assignment to the various field offices of the Department;
while these inspectors shall be under the technical supervision and guidance of the
Bureau, they shall be under the administrative supervision of the head of the field
office to which they shall be assigned, the latter being responsible for regulatory
program implementation within the geographic area of his jurisdiction;
(3) Bureau of Licensing and Regulation which shall formulate policies and establish
the standards for the licensing and regulation of hospitals, clinics and other health
facilities; establish standards that shall be the basis of inspections and licensure
procedures of the Department's field offices; and provide consultative, training and
advisory services to field offices on the conduct of licensing and regulatory functions
over hospitals, clinics and other health facilities.
(4) National Quarantine Office which shall formulate and implement quarantine laws
and regulations and, through its field offices, exercise supervision over rat-proof
zones in designated international ports and airports and over medical examination of
aliens for immigration purposes.
CHAPTER 5 - Field Office
Section 16. Office for National Field Operations. - The Office for National Field
Operations, through an Executive Committee, shall supervise the operations of the
various Regional Field Offices and the National Health Facilities, as enumerated in
Section 17(3) and further described in Sections 18, 19 and 20 hereof.
Section 17. Department Field Offices. - The Department field offices, under the
supervision and control of the Executive Committee for National Field Operations,
shall be composed of the following:
(1) Regional Health Offices (other than the National Capital Region) and subordinate
units that include regional medical centers, regional hospitals, provincial health
offices including component hospitals and district health offices, city health offices;
(2) Regional Health Office for the National Capital Region: Municipal Health Offices
of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Marikina, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, San Juan,
Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, Parañaque, Taguig, Pateros;
(3) National Health Facilities which are health facilities classified as National Health
Resources because their services and activities accrue to the whole country's health
care and infrastructure. These facilities are of two classifications: National Medical
Centers and the Special Research Centers and Hospitals, which are attached to the
Department:
(a) National Medical Centers: San Lazaro Hospital, Tondo Medical Center, Jose
Fabella Memorial Hospital, Quirino Memorial Hospital, Rizal Medical Center, National
Children's Hospital, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and the East Avenue
Medical Center.
(b) Special Research Centers and Hospitals; Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of
the Philippines, National Orthopedic Hospital, National Center for Mental Health,
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, National Kidney Institute, and the Philippine
Children's Medical Center.
Section 18. Regional Health Offices. - The Department is authorized to establish,

operate, and maintain a Department-wide Regional Office, in each of the
administrative regions of the country, under the supervision of an Executive
Committee chaired by the Secretary. Each Regional Office shall be headed by a
Regional Director to be appointed by the President, and supported by an Assistant
Regional Director. The appointment of the Regional Director and Assistant Regional
Director shall be to the Department-at-large and assignment shall be by
administrative issuances of the Secretary. The Regional Health Office shall be
responsible for the field operations of the Department in its administrative region
and for providing the region with efficient and effective health and medical services.
It shall supervise all Department agencies in its administrative region including
whatever medical centers, regional hospitals, sanitaria, provincial health officers and
city health offices are located in the region except those placed under the
Department Proper.
In addition to the foregoing, a Regional Office shall have within its administrative
region, the following functions:
(1) Implement laws and rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects of
the Department in the region;
(2) Provide efficient and effective health and medical services to the people;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices, and agencies in
the region;
Section 19. Provincial Health Office. - The Provincial Health Office shall be the
Department agency in the province. It shall exercise supervision and control over
district health offices and other field units of the department in the province, except
those otherwise placed under the Department Proper or directly under the Regional
Health Office.
The Provincial Health Office shall be headed by a Provincial Health Officer.

Depending on the size, population, and health facilities of the province as well as
budgetary provisions, a province may have one Assistant Provincial Health Officer
assisting the Provincial Health Officers, or two Assistant Provincial Health Officers,
one assisting the Provincial Health Officer in public health activities and the other
assisting in hospital operations. The Provincial Health Officers and Assistant
Provincial Health Officers shall be appointed by the Secretary to a region, and their
assignment to a province shall be made by the Secretary on recommendation of the
Regional Health Director.
Section 20. District Health Office. - The District Health Office shall exercise
supervision and control over district hospitals, municipal hospitals, rural health
units, barangay health stations and all other Department units in the health district,
except those otherwise placed directly under the Provincial Health Office, or
Regional Health Office, or the Department Proper.
The District Health Office shall be headed by a District Health Officer who shall also
serve as the Chief of the district hospital as well as the head of all field units in the
district. District Health Officers shall be appointed by the Secretary to a region, and
their assignments shall be made by the Secretary on the recommendation of the
Regional Health Director.
Section 21. Local Health Agencies. - The Department shall review and monitor the
establishment, operation and maintenance of health agencies funded by local
governments. Proposals for integrating locally funded health agencies under the
supervision and control of the Department without regard to the sourcing of funds
shall be made by the Department for the appropriate local government's approval.
Any such agreement shall be allowed and, whenever possible, funding from national
sources may be extended to achieve a nationally integrated government health
service under the Department.
Section 22. City Health Officers. - The City Health Officers and Assistant City Health
Officers shall be appointed by the Secretary. Their compensation shall be paid out of
national funds.
Section 23. Delegation of Power by Secretary. - The Secretary shall have the
authority to delegate such substantive and administrative powers and authority as
may be necessary to the heads of the Regional Health Offices, in addition to such
administrative authority as have been mandated for delegation for all Departments
by the President. The Secretary shall also delegate such powers and authority to the
heads of the Provincial Health Offices and those of other subordinate units of the
Regional Health Offices as in his sound judgment would make for a more efficient
and effective administration of health and medical services.
Section 24. Attached Entities. - The Philippine Medical Care Commission and the
Dangerous Drugs Board shall be attached to the Department and shall continue to
operate and function in accordance with the law creating them, except as otherwise
provided in this Code.
Section 25. The Philippine Medical Care Commission. - The Philippine Medical Care
Commission shall be composed of the Secretary of Health as Chairman, an
Undersecretary of Health designated by the Secretary as Vice-Chairman, and the
following members: the Administrator of the Social Security System, the President
and General Manager of the Government Service Insurance System, the Secretary
of Finance, the Secretary of Local Government, the Secretary of Labor and
Employment, and four (4) other members representing the beneficiaries, the private
employers, the physicians and the hospitals. The four other members shall be
appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of six (6) years.
The ex officio members may designate their representatives who shall exercise the
plenary powers of their principals as well as enjoy the benefits available to the latter.
Section 26. The Dangerous Drugs Board. - The Dangerous Drugs Board shall be
composed of the Secretary of Health, who shall be ex officio chairman, an
Undersecretary of Health designated by the Secretary, who shall be ex officio Vice-
Chairman, an Executive Director and the following members: the Secretary of
Justice or his representative; the Secretary of National Defense or his
representative; the Secretary of Education or his representative; the Secretary of
Finance or his representative; and the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare
and Development or his representative. The Director of the National Bureau of
Investigation shall be the permanent consultant of the Board.
Title X - TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall develop a self-reliant and

independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos. It recognizes the
indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides
incentives to needed investments.
The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound
agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and
efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are competitive in both
domestic and foreign markets. It shall protect Filipino enterprises against unfair
foreign competition and trade practices.
In pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country
shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private enterprises, including
corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations shall be encouraged
to broaden the base of their ownership.
The State shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and utilizes all
forms and arrangements of exchange on the basis of equality and reciprocity.
The State shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the public interest so requires.
No combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition shall be allowed. The
state shall protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or
hazardous products.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department of Trade and Industry shall be the primary
coordinative, promotive, facilitative and regulatory arm of the Executive Branch of
government in the area of trade, industry and investments. It shall promote and
develop an industrialization program effectively controlled by Filipinos and shall act
as catalyst for intensified private sector activity in order to accelerate and sustain
economic growth through: (a) comprehensive industrial growth strategy, (b) a
progressive and socially responsible liberation program, (c) policies designed for the
expansion and diversification of trade, and (d) policies to protect Filipino enterprises
against unfair foreign competition and trade practices.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department of Trade and Industry, shall:
(1) Formulate and implement policies, plans and programs relative to the
development, expansion, promotion and regulation of trade, industry, and
investments;
(2) Consolidate and coordinate all functions and efforts pertaining to the promotion
of exports, diversification and decentralization of industries, and development of
foreign trade;
(3) Encourage and promote the growth and expansion of industries which make full
use of human and natural resources and which are competitive in domestic and
foreign markets;
(4) Adopt and implement measures to protect Filipino enterprises against unfair
foreign competition and trade practices.
(5) Provide incentives to broaden the base of ownership of large-scale industrial

enterprises and accelerate the formulation and growth of small and medium-scale
enterprises;
(6) Regulate the importation of essential consumer and producer items to maintain
their fair and competitive prices to end-users;
(7) Protect consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or hazardous
products;
(8) Adopt and implement measures to prohibit combinations in restraint of trade

and unfair competition;
(9) Develop the capabilities of industry to increase the domestic content of its
products and upgrade the quality of products according to competitive international
standards;
(10) Encourage and support the formation of People's Economic Councils at regional,
provincial and municipal levels as well as other trade, industry and consumer
protection institutions or associations;
(11) Upgrade and develop the manufacture of local capital goods and precision
machinery components;
(12) Formulate the appropriate mechanics to guide and manage the transfer of
appropriate industrial technology in the country;
(13) Formulate country and product export strategies which will guide the export
promotion and development thrusts of the government; and implement programs
and activities geared towards the overseas promotion of Philippine exports in
overseas markets;
(14) Take the primary role in negotiating and reviewing existing international trade
agreements, particularly those affecting commodity quotas limiting existing exports
of Philippine products to determine programs for renegotiations of more favorable
terms;
(15) Administratively adjudicate and impose reasonable fines and penalties for
violation of existing trade and industry laws;
(16) Prepare, for consideration of the Monetary Board, proposed programs in the
commercial banking sector for directing commercial lending facilities towards priority
areas of commercial and industrial development, as well as coordinate government
direct funding and financial guarantee programs to achieve trade and industry
growth;
(17) Issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of
witnesses and the production of the necessary information, papers and documents
which it may deem necessary in the exercise of its powers and functions;
(18) Prescribe and enforce compliance with such rules and regulations as may be
necessary to implement the intent and provisions of this Code, which rules and
regulations shall take effect fifteen
(15) days following their publication in the Official Gazette; and
(19) Perform such other functions as may be necessary or incidental in carrying into
effect the provisions of this Code and as may be provided by law.
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The department shall consist of the offices of

the secretary, undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, national service centers,
regional offices, and line corporate agencies and government entities.
Secretary, his immediate staff, the Undersecretary for Policy Planning and Support
Services, and the Offices and Services directly supportive of the Office of the
Secretary. The functions of the foregoing shall be as follows:
(1) The Undersecretary for Policy Planning and Support Services shall supervise the
Office of Policy Research, the Office of Operational Planning, the Office of Legal
Affairs, the Human Resource Development Service, the General Administrative
Service, the Management Information Service, the Financial Management Service
and the Public Relations Office;
(2) The Office of Policy Research shall coordinate and help formulate general trade
and industry policies for the Department; evaluate the effectiveness of trade and
industry programs as such, as their implementation by the Department's Line
Operating Units; and research on trade and industry issues for policy analysis and
formulation;
(3) The Office of Operational Planning shall develop operating plans, programs and
projects of the Department as such; supervise the Annual Trade and Industry
Development Planning Conferences between government and the private sector;
evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various projects and activities of the Department;
coordinate the updating of the Department's operating plans in response to relevant
environment changes; review the Department's performance against standards and
targets previously established; and provide staff services related to the
development, monitoring, reporting and assessment of foreign assisted projects of
the Department;
(4) The Office of Legal Affairs shall provide the Secretary with legal advise on all
policies, programs, and operational matters of the Department, serve as Counsel for
the Department in cases in which it is a party; handle administrative cases against
Department personnel and submit recommendations pertaining thereto; and review
legislative proposals;
(5) The Human Resource Development Service shall design and implement human
resource development plans and programs for the personnel of the Department;
provide for present and future manpower needs of the organization; and maintain
high morale and favorable employee attitudes towards the organization through the
continuing design and implementation of employee development programs;
(6) The Financial Management Service shall formulate and manage a financial
program to ensure availability and proper utilization of funds; and provide for an
effective monitoring system of the financial operations of the Department;
(7) The General Administrative Service shall provide services relative to

procurement and allocation of supplies and equipment, transportation, messengerial
work, cashiering, payment of salaries and other Department obligations, office
maintenance, property safety and security, and other utility services; and comply
with government regulatory requirements in the areas of performance appraisal,
compensation and benefits, employment records and reports;
(8) The Management Information Service shall design and implement a

comprehensive management information system, both computerized and manual,
for the Department; provide technical assistance to the various information
generating units within the Department; and establish data exchange linkages with
public and private agencies whenever feasible;
(9) The Public Relations Office shall perform The Department's public relations
function: provide a two-way flow of information between the Department and its
constituencies; and coordinate the Secretary's regular press conferences and the
Department's relations with the mass media;
(10) The Trade and Investment Information Center shall, as the primary information
arm of the Department, design and operate a computerized system of collection,
documentation, storage, retrieval, and timely dissemination of comprehensive and
relevant information on trade, industry, and investment for use by other government
agencies and the business sector; coordinate and monitor the information
campaigns on the Department's services, programs, and projects; develop a
communications programs to promote Philippine investment opportunities and the
country's export products which shall be directed at foreign audiences; and provide
creative services to other units of the Department in support of their own
information programs;
(11) The National Industrial Manpower Training Council shall act as the umbrella
agency to coordinate and operate the Cottage Industry Technology Center, the
Construction Manpower Development Foundation, and the Construction Manpower
Developm supply-demand factors and industrial sent Center and perform other
functions such as initiating specialized industrial training centers and identifyingkills
subject to the direction formulated by the National Manpower and Youth Council;
and
(12) There is hereby created in the Office of the Secretary the Office of Special
Concerns to attend to matters that require special attention, whether involving a
matter that crosses several functional areas, demands urgent action, or otherwise
necessitates, in the Secretary's opinion, attention by a special group.

Undersecretaries. They shall exercise supervision over the offices, services,
operating units and individuals under their authority and responsibility.
The Secretary may designate any Undersecretary to supervise the bureaus, offices,
and agencies, including the attached entities, consistent with the mandate of the
department.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by five (5)
Assistant Secretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon the
and assign the respective areas of functional responsibility of the Assistant
Secretaries. Within his functional area of responsibility, an Assistant Secretary shall
assist the Secretary and the Undersecretaries in the formulation, determination and
implementation of laws, policies, plans, programs and projects on trade and industry
and shall oversee the day-to-day administration of the constituent units of the
Department.
Section 8. Staff Bureaus and Services. - The Bureaus and Service Units shall be
responsible for research, formulation of policy, development of standards, framing of
rules and regulations, program formulation and program monitoring, related to the
concerns covered by the Department's mandate, powers and functions.
Implementation of such policies, standards, rules and regulations, and programs
shall be the responsibility of the Department's Line Operating Units.
Section 9. Department Line Operating Units. - The Department Line Operating Units
shall be composed of the following:
(1) Regional Offices. These are offices which shall be located in the National Capital
Region and each of the twelve (12) other administrative regions of the country. They
shall be operated and maintained on a Department-wide basis, acting as
implementing arms in the regions under their jurisdiction, of the Department's
policies, programs, rules and regulations as well as those laws which the
Department is mandated to enforce.
(2) Line Corporate Agencies and Government Entities. These are the government
entities and the government-owned or controlled corporations under the
administrative supervision of the Department which are deemed to be integral parts
of the Department structure notwithstanding their organizational form, and which
perform a focal and implemental role in the Department's programs for the
development of trade, industry and investments.
CHAPTER 3 - Office of the Undersecretary for Domestic Trade
Section 10. Office of the Undersecretary for Domestic Trade. - The Office of the
Undersecretary for Domestic Trade shall include all the staff bureaus and services
involved in policy formulation, standards development, regulatory, and service
delivery programs pertinent to domestic trade and commerce being implemented by
the Department's line operating units. The Undersecretary for Domestic Trade shall
supervise the following:
(1) Bureau of Trade Regulations and Consumer Protection. This Bureau shall
formulate and monitor the implementation of programs for the effective
enforcement of laws, correct interpretation and adoption of policies on monopolies
and restraint of trade, mislabelling, product misrepresentation and other unfair trade
practices; monitor the registration of business names and the licensing and
accreditation of establishments and practitioners; protect and safeguard the interest
of consumers and the public, particularly the health and safety implications of
intrinsic products features, product representation, and the like; and establish the
basis for evaluating consumer complaints and product utility failures.
(2) Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion. This Bureau shall prepare and monitor the
implementation of plans and programs directed at the promotion and development
of domestic trade, particularly in the area of efficiency, fairness and balance in the
distribution of essential products and services and in the strengthening of the
domestic base for export activities; conceptualize, monitor, and evaluate programs,
plans and projects intended to create awareness of domestic marketing
opportunities for new projects, new technologies and investments.
(3) Bureau of Patents, Trademarks, and Technology Transfer. This Bureau shall
examine applications for grant of letters, patent for inventions, utility models and
industrial designs, and the subsequent grant or refusal of the same; register
trademarks, tradenames, service marks and other marks of ownership; hear and
adjudicate contested proceedings affecting rights to patents and trademarks;
receive, process for registration and evaluate technology transfer arrangements as
to their appropriateness and need for the technology or industrial property rights,
reasonableness of the technology payment, and for the prohibition of restrictive
business clauses, and comply with all its statutory publication requirements by
publishing the same in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
(4) Bureau of Product Standards. This Bureau shall review the products contained in
the critical imports list in accordance with established national standards or relevant
international standards and buyer-seller specifications; promulgate rules and
regulations necessary for the country's shift to the international system of units;
study and carry out research on the various reference materials to be used as basis
for the start of whatever analysis or evaluation is demanded by the products under
examination or investigation; establish standards for all products of the Philippines
for which no standards have as yet been fixed by law, executive order, rules and
regulations and which products are not covered by the standardization activities of
other government agencies; participate actively in international activities on
standardization, quality control and metrology; ensure the manufacture, production,
and distribution of quality products for the protection of consumers; test and
analyze standardized and unstandardized products for purposes of product standard
formulation and certification; extend technical assistance to producers to improve
the quality of their products; check length, mass and volume measuring
instruments; and maintain consultative liaison with the International Organization
for Standardization, Pacific Area Standards Congress, and other international
standards organizations.
(5) Video Regulatory Board. This Board shall regulate videogram establishments;
prevent unfair practices, unfair competition, pirating of legitimately produced video
products, and other deceptive, unfair and unconscionable acts and practices to
protect the viewing public and the general public.
CHAPTER 4 - Office of the Undersecretary for International Trade
Section 11. Office of the Undersecretary for International Trade. - The Office of the
Undersecretary for International Trade shall include all the units involved in policy
formulation, standards development, program monitoring of the development,
regulatory, and service delivery programs of the Department pertinent to
international trade and commerce being implemented by the Department's line
operating units. The Undersecretary for International Trade shall supervise the
following:
(1) Bureau of International Trade Relations. This Bureau shall be the primary agent
responsible for all matters pertaining to foreign trade relations, whether bilateral,
regional or multilateral, especially market access and market access related
matters; formulate positions and strategies for trade negotiations, consultations and
conferences as well as supervise trade negotiations, consultations and conferences;
coordinate with other Departments and agencies of the Philippine government with
the view of assuring consistency in the government's positions in trade negotiations
and on other activities pertaining to foreign trade relations; consult with industry
groups and provide technical advice and information on the above matters and
activities; identify tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting products of export interest
to the Philippines, and negotiate measures for liberalizing them at bilateral, regional
and multilateral form; and evaluate and submit recommendations on existing and
proposed commercial policies of the Philippines.
(2) Bureau of Export Trade Promotion. This Bureau shall formulate and monitor
programs, plans, and projects pertinent to the development, promotion, and
expansion of the foreign trade of the Philippines; formulate country and product
export strategies; conduct research on new product development and adaptation
opportunities in the export markets, as well as identify the domestic supply base for
such products, prepare situation reports on all export production; prepare and
update country and regional market profiles; maintain an integrated information
system on all aspects of the products and commodities relevant to export
marketing; formulate, plan, supervise, coordinate and monitor the implementation
of both private and official incoming and outgoing missions, and review the results
of such; promote and coordinate international subcontracting arrangements
between and among foreign and Philippine investors whereby production operations
and facilities may be located in the Philippines; formulate and monitor the
implementation of policies and guidelines for the registration and certification of
bona fide exporters eligible for the various export incentive programs of the
Philippines; and review and identify appropriate measures to minimize or deregulate
export-import procedures and other foreign trade laws necessary to stimulate the
international marketing of Philippine products.
(3) Foreign Trade Service Corps. This Corps shall assist Philippine businessmen,
producers, and exporters with marketing information, project development support,
and liaison with foreign government agencies; develop marketing and commercial
intelligence for dissemination to Philippine businessmen through the Trade and
Investment Information Center; provide direct support to the Department's
overseas promotional programs; assist Philippine businessmen handle trade
complaints against foreign firms and governments; support Department units in
import and export administration, monitoring of trade agreements, and investments
promotion; and be accountable for establishment of foreign investment and export
targets for their respective areas of responsibility.
In addition to the existing Foreign Trade Service Corps. the President may appoint
Trade Commissioners with the rank of Assistant Secretary to coordinate trade and
investment matters in the various continents to which they are assigned for the
purpose of increasing trade and investments.
(4) Bonded Export Marketing Board. This Board shall promote the establishment of
bonded manufacturing and trading facilities for the re-export of those products
where a clear net value added may be generated based on the emerging
comparative advantage of the Philippine export industry; study and analyze the
international market for specific products where the Philippines has or can develop a
comparative advantage; recommend to the Bureau of Customs the licensing of
bonded manufacturing facilities and monitor all bonded manufacturing sites, with
the objective of ensuring operational efficiency; identify and designate sites where
export bonded manufacturing sites shall be located with a view of dispersal to the
regions; and initiate studies on the development and maintenance of the country's
competitive advantage in export products.
(5) Philippine Shippers' Council. This Council shall represent Philippine shippers in
international liner conferences and negotiate in their behalf, for more favorable
freight and shipping rates; evaluate and issue waivers to the use of Philippine flag
carriers; and provide assistance and information to Philippine shippers, specially
exporters, in matters related to shipping.
(6) Philippine Trade Training Center. This Center shall develop training modules on
export and import techniques and procedures; raise the level of awareness of
Philippine businessmen of export opportunities and the availability of alternative
sources of import products or diversified markets for exports; offer specialized
courses for specific industry groups directed at overcoming barriers to overseas
market penetration; and conduct training programs in international trade practices,
inspection techniques and exhibitions mounting.
(7) Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines. This Center shall
provide product identification, research, and development services to the private
sector; conduct seminars and workshops on product design and development; set
up design exhibitions; publish product design related materials; and conduct
continuing research on product and product packaging design trends and processing
technologies.
CHAPTER 5 - Office of the Undersecretary for Industry and Investments
Section 12. Office of the Undersecretary for Industry and Investments. - The Office
of the Undersecretary for Industry and Investments shall supervise all agencies
involved in the formulation and implementation of programs and projects pertinent
to the development of domestic industries and the promotion of investments in
activities or enterprises critical to the Department's trade and industry development
program.
(1) Bureau of Small and Medium Business Development. This Bureau shall formulate
and monitor development programs for private institutions involved in assisting the
trade and industry sector, delivery mechanisms and linkages for marketing, financial
and subcontracting services, and development programs for livelihood and micro,
small and medium enterprises.
(2) Board of Investments, whose functions are defined below.
(3) Export Processing Zone Authority, whose functions are defined below.
(4) Bureau of Import Services. This Bureau shall monitor import levels and prices,
particularly liberalized items; analyze and forecast import levels; analyze and
publish import return statistics; perform annual reviews of the substantive
components of the Philippine Tariff System and submit recommendations thereon;
perform such other functions on import transactions as the President or the Central
Bank of the Philippines shall delegate or authorize; and ensure that the
Department's views on goods under the jurisdiction of other Departments are taken
into consideration.
(5) Iron and Steel Authority.
(6) Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines.
CHAPTER 6 - Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations
Section 13. Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations. - The Office of the
Undersecretary for Regional Operations shall exercise supervision and control over
the Department's Regional Offices, described in Section 9, par. 1 hereof. It shall be
responsible for the field operations of the Department, ensuring full compliance with
Department policies, rigorous implementation of Department and regulations, and
proper implementation of Department plans and programs by the Regional Offices in
their respective administrative jurisdictions.
Section 14. Regional Offices. - The Department is hereby authorized to establish,

operate and maintain a Department-wide regional office in each of the country's
administrative regions. Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Director
who shall be assisted by an Assistant Regional Director. A Regional Office shall have,
within its administrative region, the following functions:
(1) Implement pertinent laws, and the rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs
and projects of the Department;
(2) Provide efficient and effective service to the people;
(3) Coordinate with the regional offices of other departments, offices and agencies
in the region;
(4) Coordinate with the local government units; and
(5) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or appropriately

Section 15. Line Corporate Agencies and Government Entities. - The following are
the Line Corporate Agencies and Government Entities that will perform their specific
regulatory functions, particular developmental responsibilities, and specialized
business activities in a manner consonant with the Departments' mandate,
objectives, policies, plans, and programs:
(1) National Development Company. This Company shall promote investments in or

establish enterprises for the express purposes of encouraging the private sector to
follow suit by proving the financial viability of such enterprises; or of filling critical
gaps in the input-output structure of Philippine commerce and industry when the
private sector is unwilling or unable to engage in such enterprises because of the
magnitude of investments required or the risk complexion of the undertaking.
(2) Garments and Textile Export Board. This Board, which shall be supervised by the
Undersecretary for International Trade, shall oversee the implementation of the
garment and textile agreements between the Philippines and other countries,
particularly garments and textiles quotas; approve quota allocations and export
authorizations; issue export licenses and adopt appropriate measures to expedite
their processing; provide the necessary information and statistics relating to the
administration of garments and textiles export quotas and the flow of garments and
textiles exports for monitoring purposes and for negotiations with other countries;
implement rules and regulations for the administration of all international textile
agreements entered into between the Philippines and importing countries; and fix
and collect reasonable fees for the issuance of export quotas, export authorizations,
export licenses, and other related services, in accordance with the Department
policies, rules and regulations.
(3) International Coffee Organization-Certifying Agency. This Agency, which shall be

supervised by the Undersecretary for International Trade, shall oversee the
implementation of the coffee agreements between the Philippines and other
countries, particularly coffee quotas.
(4) Philippine International Trading Corporation. This Corporation, which shall be

supervised by the Undersecretary for International Trade, shall only engage in both
export and import trading on new or non-traditional products and markets not
normally pursued by the private business sector; provide a wide range of export
oriented auxiliary services to the private sector; arrange for or establish
comprehensive system and physical facilities for handling the collection, processing,
and distribution of cargoes and other commodities; monitor or coordinate risk
insurance services for existing institutions; promote or organize, whenever
warranted, production enterprises and industrial establishments and collaborate or
associate in joint venture with any person, association, company, or entity, whether
domestic or foreign, in the fields of production, marketing, procurement, and other
related businesses; and provide technical, advisory, investigatory, consultancy, and
management services with respect to any and all of the functions, activities, and
operations of the corporation.
(5) Board of Investments. This Board, which shall be supervised by the

Undersecretary for Industry and Investments shall be responsible for coordinating
the formulation and implementation of short, medium and long term industrial plans
as well as promoting investments in the Philippines in accordance with national
policies and priorities; register, monitor, and grant investment incentives to
individual enterprises; formulate policies and guidelines aimed at creating an
environment conducive to the expansion of existing investments or attracting
prospective investments in the Philippines, Provided, That the Board shall place
primary emphasis on its promotive functions.
(6) Export Processing Zone Authority. This Authority which shall be supervised by
the Undersecretary for Industry and Investments, shall develop and manage export
processing zones, in consonance with Department policies and programs.
(7) The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, Inc. is hereby
merged with the Philippine Trade Exhibition Center. The latter shall be the surviving
entity and is hereby renamed "Center for International Trade Expositions and
Missions."
Title XI - AGRARIAN REFORM
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall undertake an agrarian reform

program founded on the right of farmers and regular farmworkers who are landless
to own directly or collectively the lands they till or, in the case of other farmworkers,
to receive a just share of the fruits thereof.
The State shall recognize the right of farmers, farmworkers, and landowners, as well
as cooperatives, and other independent farmers' organizations to participate in the
planning, organization and management of the land reform program, and shall
provide support to agriculture through appropriate technology and research, and
through adequate financial, production, marketing, and other support services.
The State shall provide incentives for voluntary land-sharing. It may resettle
landless farmers and farmworkers in its own agricultural estates which shall be
distributed to them in the manner provided by law.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall provide central direction and

coordination to the national agrarian reform program extended to transform farm
lessees and farm tenants into owner-cultivators of economic family-size farms to
improve their living conditions.
The Department shall formulate and implement policies, plans and programs for the
distribution and cultivation of all agricultural lands, including sugar and coconut
lands, with the participation of farmers, farmworkers, landowners, cooperatives, and
other independent farmers' organizations. It shall provide leadership in developing
support services to tenant-owners, farm managers, and other cultivators through
appropriate research and development programs, and shall render adequate
assistance in finance, marketing, production and other aspects of farm
management.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate, the Department

shall:
(1) Implement laws, programs and policies for the acquisition and distribution of all
agricultural lands as provided by laws;
(2) Resettle landless farmers and farmworkers in government-owned agricultural

estates which shall be distributed to them as provided by law;
(3) Recommend and provide incentives for voluntary sharing of lands by owners of
agricultural lands;
(4) Acquire, determine the value, subdivide into family-size farms, develop and
distribute to qualified tillers, actual occupants and displaced urban poor, private
agricultural lands regardless of area and crops planted;
(5) Administer and dispose of, under a settlement scheme, all portions of the public
domain declared as alienable and disposable lands for speedy distribution to and
development by deserving and qualified persons who do not own any land and
under such terms and conditions as the Department may prescribe, giving priority to
qualified and deserving farmers in the province where such lands are located;
(6) Provide free legal assistance to farmers covered by agrarian reform and expedite
the resolution of agrarian conflicts and land tenure problems either through
conciliatory or adversary proceedings;
(7) Provide creative, responsive and effective information, education and

communication programs and projects both for the tenant beneficiaries, landowners,
the government and private sectors and the general public, thereby generating a
broad spectrum of support and understanding of the new agrarian reform program;
(8) Strengthen agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations to a degree of national

viability that would enable them to share in the shaping of government policies and
institutionalize farmers' participation in agrarian reform policy formulation, program
implementation and evaluation;
(9) Promote the organization and development of cooperatives of agrarian reform

beneficiaries and register the same;
(10) Implement all agrarian reform laws and for the this purpose issue subpoena,
subpoena duces tecum, and writs of execution of its orders, and decisions and other
legal processes to ensure compliance from all parties concerned for successful and
expeditious program implementation;
(11) Undertake land surveys on lands covered by agrarian reform, and issue patents
to farmers covered by agrarian reform, both on private and public lands;
(12) Develop, implement and undertake alternative and innovative land

development schemes and land tenure systems such as, but not limited to land
consolidation, land farming cooperative farming and agro-industrial estates;
(13) Approve or disapprove conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses

such as residential and industrial conversions in accordance with the existing
provisions of law;
(14) Undertake land use management studies;
(15) Compensate the landowners covered by agrarian reform;
(16) Integrate and synchronize program implementation of the Land Bank of the
Philippines and other relevant civilian and military government and private entities
involved and mandated to support the agrarian reform program through Inter-
Agency Committees and Agrarian Reform Coordinating Councils; and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. - The Department shall consist of the Office of

the Secretary, the Undersecretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Services and Staff
Bureaus, the Regional Offices, the Provincial Offices, and the Team Offices.
Section 6. Undersecretary. - The Secretary shall be assisted by one (1)

Undersecretary who shall perform the following functions:
(1) Oversee the operational activities of the Department delegated to him by and for
which he shall be responsible to the Secretary;
(2) Coordinate programs and projects within the DAR and with other government
agencies and farmer organizations when so delegated by the Secretary;
(3) Assist the Secretary on matters relating to the operations of the Department;
(4) Assist the Secretary in the preparation of reports; and
(5) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law or assigned
by the Secretary.
Section 7. Assistant Secretary. - The Secretary shall be assisted by one Assistant

Secretary.
Section 8. Management and Executive Services. - The Management and Executive

Services shall have the following functions:
(1) Recommend the implementation of appropriate systems and procedures as it

relates to the overall monitoring and feedback mechanisms required by the Office of
the Secretary;
(2) Gather, consolidate, appraise, prepare and submit regular top management
reports pertaining to the Department and overall administration, financial, programs
and projects implementation status for decision making purposes;
(3) Design and maintain a program/project display center(s) that will showcase the
Department's various plans, programs and accomplishments;
(4) Prepare and review office orders, memoranda and other communications;
(5) Provide secretariat support during meetings and conferences including

international conferences and seminars relative to agrarian reform;
(6) Supervise the implementation of department-wide records management and

disposal system;
(7) Develop alternative management systems which will increase efficiency in the
delivery of services, attain better means of control, maximize use of available
human and physical resources;
(8) Conduct periodic systems and procedures audit of the various units of the
Department;
(9) Prepare news items on agrarian reform accomplishments and handle press and
media relations work for the Secretary; and
Section 9. Legal and Public Assistance Service. - The Legal and Public Assistance
Service shall have the following functions:
(1) Prepare legal decisions and resolutions of administrative cases and render legal
opinions, interpretation of contracts, laws, rules and other administrative issuances;
(2) Prepare legal decisions and resolutions of administrative cases; and
(3) Provide public assistance services.
Section 10. Research and Strategic Planning Service. - The Research and Strategic
Planning Service shall have the following functions:
(1) Review, analyze and integrate submitted plans and programs and special project
proposals by Bureaus, services, and field offices and determine if plans and
programs are in accordance with priorities set for budgetary support;
(2) Review, coordinate and integrate all recommendations for reprogramming and
revision of work programs of the Department to support fund releases or requests;
(3) Initiate, integrate, or prioritize research studies and recommend for funding in
coordination with units concerned and review and interpret research findings for
policy applicability;
(4) Conduct researches or case studies for policy recommendations and application;
(5) Coordinate, integrate and assist in the assessment of programs and projects
against plans, costs and resources, standards and performance targets;
(6) Coordinate, integrate and analyze periodic accomplishment reports of the

Department as may be required or necessary;
(7) Maintain liaison with public and private development and planning bodies, public
and private; and
Secretary.
Section 11. Finance and Physical Assets Management Service. - The Finance and
Physical Assets Management Services shall have the following functions:
(1) Prepare, execute and administer the Department's budget including standards
and guidelines;
(2) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Central and Regional budget;
(3) Process all money claims related to all types of Department expenditures
including personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses and capital
outlays;
(4) Prepare financial reports and maintain books of accounts;
(5) Prepare, release and control check disbursements and index or monitor check
payments;
(6) Implement proper internal control mechanisms;
(7) Formulate and implement policies and systems on the disposition of supplies,
materials and equipment requirements of all operating units for their effective
functioning;
(8) Undertake repair and maintenance of all equipment furniture, building facilities
and grounds of the Department; and
(9) Manage and maintain an inventory of physical assets in the Department's

Central and Regional offices.
Section 12. Administrative and Personnel Service. - The Administrative and

Personnel Service shall exercise the following functions:
(1) Formulate and implement policies and guidelines on personnel placement,

appraisal and action;
(2) Formulate and implement policies and guidelines on employee services,

employee relations management and staff development;
(3) Service the reproduction, utility and messengerial requirements of all

Departmental groups and offices;
(4) Provide the major operating units of the Department with basic equipment,
supplies and materials including logical support;
(5) Engage in general canvassing and purchasing of supplies, materials and

equipment;
(6) Implement guidelines with respect to procurement services; and
(7) Perform such other functions as the Secretary may assign.
CHAPTER 4 - Bureaus
Section 13. Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance. - The Bureau of Agrarian Legal
Assistance shall have the following functions:
(1) Formulate guidelines, plans and programs for the effective delivery of legal
assistance to the clientele;
(2) Adopt the process of mediation and conciliation to judiciously settle agrarian
problems;
(3) Investigate cases, review recommendations, and prepare orders, decisions and
resolutions on matters involving agrarian dispute;
(4) Maintain a docket of cases on claims and conflicts and issue clearance in relation
thereto;
(5) Provide legal information and prepare materials for publication;
(6) Conduct and compile legal research and studies on agrarian reform and maintain
a law library;
(7) Prepare legal opinions on matters pertaining to agrarian reform program

implementation;
(8) Represent agrarian reform beneficiaries or members of their immediate farm

households before all courts and quasi-judicial and administrative bodies in civil,
criminal or administrative cases instituted by or against them, arising from or are
connected with, an agrarian dispute;
(9) Develop, maintain and coordinate para-legal services for agrarian reform
clientele;
(10) Advise and assist the Office of the Secretary and field offices in agrarian legal
matters;
(11) Conduct a continuing follow-up and evaluation of the handling and disposition
of judicial cases, claims and conflicts adjudication, legal information and para-legal
services of the Department; and
(12) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law.
Section 14. Bureau of Land Development. - The Bureau shall have the following
functions:
(1) Draw up plans and programs of land surveys and determine which land survey
projects can be done by administration or by contract;
(2) Develop and prescribe procedures and techniques on land surveys in accordance
with approved standards;
(3) Develop plans and programs, guidelines, procedures and techniques for soil
surveys and classification and for complete aerial photogrammetry;
(4) Analyze and compile soil data and survey reports essential for the production of
soil maps and identify particular areas for soil research;
(5) Develop land use patterns, procedures and compile adequate maps for proper
land use;
(6) Draw up plans, programs and designs for agricultural development under the
scheme of land consolidation;
(7) Formulate policies, guidelines and procedures for the regulation of conversion of
private agricultural lands to non-agricultural use, in accordance with the provisions
of existing laws, as amended, and other related issuances;
(8) Establish a schedule of priorities in the construction of houses, waterworks,

irrigations systems and other community facilities;
(9) Formulate policies and guidelines in the procurement, maintenance or

rehabilitation of agricultural machinery and equipment, and review, and evaluate
plans, programs, specifications, and cost estimates of land development projects;
(10) Provide functional and technical assistance on the implementation of land

development;
(11) Monitor and evaluate activities of field offices on land development; and
Section 15. Bureau of Land Tenure Development. - The Bureau shall have the
(1) Develop policies, plans and programs, and standard operating procedures in the
acquisition and distribution of public and private agricultural lands, including
measures to ensure that the lands distributed by the government to the
beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program shall be subsequently transferred or
sold only to qualified tenant-tillers, agricultural workers and other landless citizens;
(2) Design socio-economic survey plans and prescribe standards, guidelines and
procedures in the conduct of such surveys in areas sought to be acquired or
administered by the Department of Agrarian Reform;
(3) Develop standards for the valuation of lands placed under the agrarian reform
program and formulate appropriate land compensation schemes for affected
landowners;
(4) Formulate, general policies and guidelines in the identification of tillers and
agricultural lands to be purchased or expropriated, subject of petitions or
applications for the exercise of the right of pre-emption or redemption, or voluntarily
offered for coverage under the agrarian reform program, and portions of the public
domain which may be opened for settlement;
(5) Maintain a current inventory of tillers, landowners, land-holdings, including crops

and production thereon, and other related records;
(6) Streamline procedures governing the titling of lands transferred to the

beneficiaries of agrarian reform and the documentation of leasehold and other
tenurial arrangements;
(7) Develop alternative tenurial or working arrangements or relationships in agrarian

reform areas aimed at ensuring security of tenure and equitable distribution of
income;
(8) Formulate policies, guidelines, standards, procedures and programs in the

development and conduct of land tenure research;
(9) Identify areas of research relevant to land tenure, determine priority needs, and
prepare land tenure research designs/proposals;
(10) Undertake operational research and evaluation studies on land tenure

programs and projects;
(11) Monitor research findings on land tenure and other related studies by various
research agencies;
(12) Review and evaluate documents for the generation, registration, and issuance
of Emancipation Patents/Title, land valuation, and landowners compensation claims
as to its completeness, accuracy and validity;
(13) Initiate verification and/or investigation of questionable or inconsistent

documents as well as data or information critical for expeditious disposition of land
transactions by authorities concerned; and
Section 16. Bureau of Agrarian Reform Information Education. - The Bureau shall
(1) Provide policy guidance and develop plans and programs for effective and
continuing information, education and promotional activities of the Department;
(2) Develop, conduct, assist and coordinate training and education programs to
increase farmer, DAR and other governmental personnel participation in program
implementation;
(3) Coordinate or implement linkage training or education programs and projects;
(4) Integrate agrarian reform concepts into all levels of the national education
system;
(5) Develop appropriate communication materials or aids to support agrarian reform

promotion and training;
(6) Produce and disseminate media materials to implement the information

programs of the Department;
(7) Maintain and update a library of materials on agrarian reform;
(8) Provide for the establishment of a center for agrarian reform studies;
(9) Provide functional and technical assistance on farmer education and public
information;
(10) Coordinate and evaluate training programs and activities undertaken by the
regional offices and other units of the Department; and
Section 17. Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development. - The Bureau

(1) Formulate plans, programs, policies and guidelines for the development of
agrarian reform areas into viable agro-industrial estates, the promotion of
cooperative systems of production, processing, marketing, distribution, credit and
services;
(2) Formulate policies, programs and guidelines for the development and
management of resettlement areas and landed estates;
(3) Promote the organization and participation of agrarian reform beneficiaries to

enhance the dignity and welfare of the beneficiaries and to serve as sources of
development information inputs and feedback as basis for policy formulation;
(4) Serve as liaison between the DAR and the legitimate organizations of agrarian
reform beneficiaries and serve as receiving zone for request and proposals from
legitimately organized agrarian reform beneficiaries associations for appropriate
action by any of the Bureaus or Services;
(5) Develop and undertake research and pilot studies of alternative land tenure
systems such as agro-industrial estates, cooperative farming and other cooperative-
cultivatorship schemes;
(6) Develop project models such as but not limited to compact farms, and other
income generating projects, and undertake research and pilot studies on these
models and other innovative schemes in coordination with field offices;
(7) Establish linkages with concerned agencies for farm support services and to
ensure immediate and effective project implementation;
(8) Provide functional and technical assistance on development and management of

resettlement areas and landed estates, organization of agrarian reform beneficiaries
and implementation of economic projects;
CHAPTER 5 - Regional and District Offices and Attached Agencies
Section 18. Regional Office. - The Regional Office shall be responsible for supporting
the field units and supervising program implementation of the Department within
the region. It shall:
(1) Implement laws, policies, plans, rules and regulations of the Department in the
regional area;
(2) Develop and implement a regional personnel management program;
(3) Prepare, submit, execute and control the budget for the region;
(4) Prepare and properly maintain books of accounts;
(5) Pay salaries and wages and other approved vouchers;
(6) Provide administrative services to the regional and provincial offices;
(7) Prepare and submit plans and programs for the region on:
a. land tenure development

b. information and education
c. land use management and land development
d. legal services
e. agrarian reform beneficiaries development
(8) Provide technical assistance to the provincial offices and agrarian reform teams
in the implementation of approved plans and programs;
(9) Extend effective legal assistance, advice or service to agrarian reform

beneficiaries;
(10) Conduct operations research and evaluation of agrarian reform program

implementation within the region;
(11) Coordinate with other government and private agencies and farmer
organizations at the Regional level through the Agrarian Reform Coordinating
Council, to carry out programs/projects for the general welfare of the agrarian
reform beneficiaries;
(12) Coordinate para-legal services;
(13) Maintain a data-based information system in coordination with the established

monitoring system;
(14) Review documents submitted by the Provincial and Team Offices or by the
clientele;
(15) Submit periodic feedback and recommend policy changes and/or modification
of procedures on program implementation; and
(16) Perform such other functions as may be necessary in the service of the
clientele.
Section 19. Provincial Offices. - The Agrarian Reform Provincial Office is responsible
for the direction and coordination of the operation and activities of the Agrarian
Reform Teams operating within the province and has the following functions:
(1) Set priorities, specific targets, schedules and deadlines for the execution of
approved plans, programs and projects on:
a. land acquisition, distribution, transfer of land ownership to actual tillers, including

land tiller-landowners identification, tenurial security and leasehold arrangements,

land surveys, land valuation and landowners compensation;
b. continuing information and education programs on agrarian reform;
c. organization and development of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperatives and

institutionalizing farmers-government partnership in agrarian policy formulation and
program implementation;
d. landowner's compensation and diversion of landowner's capital to industrial

development;
e. development and implementation of alternative land tenure systems such as

cooperative farming, agro-industrial estates and cooperative-cultivatorship schemes;
f. land use management;
g. compact farming, land consolidation, land reclamation, integrated farming

systems, sloping agricultural land technology, and other land conservation measures
in agrarian reform covered areas;
h. legal services to farmers covered by agrarian reform and resolution of agrarian

conflicts and land tenure problems;
(2) Provide administrative services to the Agrarian Reform Teams within the
province;
(3) Provide legal services to agrarian reform beneficiaries in cases arising from or
are connected with agrarian disputes, handling of expropriation proceedings,
registering cooperatives organized by Agrarian Reform Teams and reviewing and
acting on all matters initially investigated and elevated by Agrarian Reform Teams;
(4) Provide technical assistance to the Agrarian Reform Teams in the implementation
of approved plans and programs;
(5) Coordinate with government, private agencies and farmer organizations at the
provincial level to carry out programs;
(6) Conduct periodic performance audit surveys in collaboration with the regional
office, and monitor agrarian reform program accomplishments of Agrarian Reform
Teams including operational problems and constraints and recommend appropriate
remedial measures for effective program implementation; and
(7) Perform such other functions as may be necessary in the service of the clientele.
Section 20. Team Offices. - The Agrarian Reform Team shall be responsible for
directly implementing the agrarian reform programs and delivering expected results.
It shall:
(1) Implement policies and programs on land acquisition, and distribution, and
transfer of landownership to actual tillers, including farmer-landowner's
identification, leasehold arrangements, land valuation and landowners compensation
and transfer actions;
(2) Undertake continuing information and education programs on agrarian reform

among the beneficiaries;
(3) Promote the organization and development of agrarian reform beneficiaries and
assist in the registration of organized cooperatives;
(4) Institutionalize farmers participation in agrarian reform policy formulation and

(5) Organize and establish compact farms, land consolidation, integrated farm
systems, sloping agricultural land technology and other cooperative-cultivatorship
schemes;
(6) Provide assistance in agrarian reform research;
(7) Provide assistance to various legal services, including legal information and legal
counselling, documentation and preliminary processing of applications for free
patent and applications to purchase lots, preliminary investigation of conflicting
claims on lot boundaries and appraisal of properties, and mediation of different
problems arising from tenancy relationship, execution and registration of lease
contracts, initial investigation of administrative cases, and other legal services;
(8) Provide assistance on project identification, formulation and development that

would uplift the socio-economic status of the beneficiaries including projects that
would divert landlord capital to industrial development;
(9) Coordinate with other government and private agencies and farmer
organizations within the area of coverage for effective program/project
implementation;
(10) Submit periodic reports on program/project accomplishments including

problems identified and recommended solutions thereto;
(11) Implement DAR commitment programs supportive of national priority

programs; and
(12) Perform such other functions as may be assigned from time to time.
Section 21. Attached Agencies. - The following agencies are attached to the
Department for administrative supervision and policy coordination:
(1) Land Bank of the Philippines
(2) Agricultural Credit Administration
(3) Agrarian Reform Coordinating Council
Title XII - LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall ensure the autonomy of local
governments. For this purpose, it shall provide for a more responsive and
accountable local government structure instituted through a system of
decentralization. The allocation of powers and resources to local government units
shall be promoted, and inter-local government grouping, consolidation and
coordination of resources shall be encouraged. The State shall guarantee the local
government units their just share in national taxes and their equitable share in
proceeds from the use of natural resources, and afford them a wider latitude for
resources generation.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall assist the President in the exercise of
general supervision over local governments and in ensuring autonomy,
decentralization and community empowerment.

shall:
(1) Advise the President on the promulgation of policies, rules, regulations and other
issuances relative to the general supervision of local government units;
(2) Establish and prescribe rules, regulations and other issuances and implementing
laws on the general supervision of local government units and on the promotion of
local autonomy and monitor compliance thereof by said units;
(3) Provide assistance in the preparation of national legislation affecting local

government units;
(4) Establish and prescribe plans, policies, programs and projects to strengthen the
administrative, technical and fiscal capabilities of local government offices and
personnel;
(5) Formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and projects to meet
national and local emergencies arising from natural and man-made disasters; and
Section 4. Organization Structure. - The Department, shall be composed of the

Office of the Secretary and the staff and line offices which shall consist of the
following:
(1) Bureau of Local Government Supervision;

(2) Bureau of Local Government Development;
(3) National Barangay Operations Office;
(4) Project Development Services;
(5) Department Services;
(6) Office of Public Affairs; and
(7) Regional and Field Offices.
Section 6. Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall be

assisted by not more than three (3) Undersecretaries and three (3) Assistant
Secretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of
the Secretary. The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate and assign the
respective functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries and Assistant
Secretaries.
Section 7. Planning Service. - The Planning Service shall be responsible for providing
the Department with efficient and effective services relating to planning,
programming, research and statistics.

Service shall be responsible for providing the Department with efficient and effective
staff advise and assistance on budgetary, financial and management improvement
matters.
Section 9. Legal Service. - The Legal Service shall be responsible for providing the
Department with efficient and effective legal counselling services, assistance to the
Secretary in the review or determination of subordinate bodies or agencies,
collaboration with Solicitor General in handling cases affecting the Department, and
investigation of administrative cases involving Department personnel and local
officials;
Section 10. Administrative Service. - The Administrative Service shall be responsible

for providing the Department with efficient and effective services relative to
personnel, information, records, supplies, equipment, collection, disbursement,
security and custodial work, and other kinds of services not related to the other
services above enumerated.
Section 11. Electronic Data Processing Service. - The Electronic Data Processing
Service shall be responsible for providing adequate and up-to-date data and
management information inputs, including monitoring of all field operations, to
serve as basis for effective planning, management and control, policy formulation
and decision-making.
Section 12. Bureau of Local Government Supervision. - The Bureau of Local

Government Supervision, to be headed by a Bureau Director appointed by the
functions:
(1) Advise and assist the Secretary in the exercise of the power of general
supervision of the President over local government units, particularly in the
formulation and implementation of national laws, policies, and standards concerning
local government operations and their personnel;
(2) Establish and prescribe guidelines for the administration of the Katarungang
Pambarangay Laws;
(3) Monitor compliance with national laws and policies by local government units;
(4) Provide assistance in the preparation of national legislation affecting local

government units and in the promotion of local autonomy;
(5) Extend consultation service and advice to local government units involved in
promoting local autonomy; and
(6) Provide assistance to local governments in the promotion of citizens participation

in local government activities;
(7) Provide technical and financial assistance, as well as secretariat services to the
Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities; and
Section 13. Bureau of Local Government Development. - The Bureau of Local

Government Development, to be headed by a Bureau Director appointed by the
President upon the recommendation of the Secretary shall have the following
functions:
(1) Establish and prescribe plans, policies, programs, and projects to strengthen the
administrative and technical capabilities of local government offices and personnel;
(2) Provide technical assistance to enhance the administrative, fiscal and technical
capabilities of local government officers and personnel;
(3) Formulate, prescribe and periodically evaluate local development policies, plans,
programs and projects designed to enhance the participation of local government
units in planning and implementation;
(4) Establish a system of incentives and grants to local governments and prescribe
policies, procedures and guidelines in the implementation of self-help assistance
projects;
(5) Formulate and develop models, standards and technical materials on local
government development;
development programs;
development programs;
(7) Establish a viable system of strategies and approaches for local governments
anchored on citizen participation within a wholistic and integrated framework for the
development of communities; and
Section 14. Office of Public Affairs. - The Office of Public Affairs shall have the
(1) Provide technical assistance in the modernization and maintenance of a

Department-wide micro-telecommunications systems;
(2) Provide mechanisms for the operationalization of the intent of the provisions of
public information, coverages and documentation of the activities of the
Department;
(3) Perform functional supervision over regional information centers in providing the
citizenry with relevant information on the program of the Department and the
Government's thrust towards the participation of the citizens in the democratic
processes;
(4) Formulate plans and programs to implement the administrative and technical
capabilities of public officers and personnel both on the central and regional levels;
(5) Establish and prescribe guidelines in the administration of Information and Public
Assistance Services;
(6) Extend consultation services and advice in the implementation of Regional
Information Services;
(7) Assess information needs of the people through opinion polls and surveys;
(8) Provide assistance on various public programs of the Department;
(9) Establish and implement policies, plans, programs and projects to meet local
emergencies arising from natural and man-made disasters; and
(10) Perform such other duties and responsibilities and projects assigned or
delegated by the Secretary in the effective delivery of public services or as may be
required by law.
Section 15. Local Government Academy. - The Local Government Academy shall be
responsible for human resource development and training of local government
officials and Department personnel. The Academy shall be under the direct
supervision of a Board of Trustees composed of the Secretary of Local Government
as Chairman and four (4) other members to be appointed by the President upon
recommendation of the Secretary. The structure and staffing pattern of the Local
Government Academy shall be prescribed and approved by the Secretary.
Section 16. National Barangay Operations Office. - The National Barangay

Operations Office which shall be headed by a Director to be appointed by the
functions:
(1) Formulate policies, plans and programs that will promote community and citizen
participation in the political development of the barangay through the mobilization
and participation of barangay assemblies;
(2) Initiate projects on innovative barangay development strategies and approaches

in close coordination with the Bureau of Local Government Development;
(3) Provide secretariat services to the Association of Barangay Councils and serve as
a clearing house on matters affecting barangay officials' insurance, hospitalization,
educational and other benefits as provided by law;
(4) Provide continuing information dissemination to barangay units on national

development efforts and issues in order for barangay assembly members to
participate meaningfully in national development;
(5) Establish and maintain masterlists of barangays, barangay officials and barangay
socio-economic profiles;
(6) Provide situational and political analysis for the Secretary on barangay affairs;
and
(7) Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Secretary or as provided for
by law.
Section 17. Office of Project Development Services. - The Office of Project

Development Services shall have the following functions:
(1) Formulate innovative approaches and strategies designed to promote technical

capabilities of local governments;
(2) Assist in the development of program components for the implementation of

tested and appropriate system and processes at the local level; and
(3) Perform other functions as may be delegated by the Secretary or as provided by

law.
CHAPTER 5 - Regional and Field Offices
Section 18. Regional and Field Offices. - The Secretary is authorized to establish,
operate and maintain one Regional Office in each of the administrative regions
established by law. A Regional Office shall have, within its administrative region, the
(1) Implement laws, rules, and regulations, other issuances, policies, plans,
programs and projects of the Department;
(2) Provide efficient and effective service to local government;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices and agencies
affecting local administration and development;
(4) Assist local government units in developing their capabilities for local
government administration and development; and
(5) Perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Secretary or as

provided by law.
CHAPTER 6 - Leasues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities
Section 19. Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities. - There is hereby created
the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.
The functions, budget and records of the Katipunan ng mga Sanggunian National
Secretariat and the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Punong Bayan sa Pilipinas, shall
be transferred to the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities. The Leagues
shall be under the supervision of the Bureau of Local Government Supervision.
The Secretary is hereby authorized to promulgate the necessary implementing rules

that will activate these Leagues.
Title XIII - TOURISM
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall promote, encourage and develop
tourism as a major national activity in which private sector investment, effort and
initiative are fostered and supported, and through which socio-economic
development may be accelerated, foreign exchange earned, international visitors
offered the opportunity to travel to the Philippines and appreciate its natural beauty,
history and culture, and Filipinos themselves enabled to see more of their country
and imbued with greater pride in and commitment to the nation.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department of Tourism shall be the primary government

agency charge with the responsibility to encourage, promote and develop tourism as
a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and
to spread the benefits of tourism to a wider segment of the population with the
support, assistance and cooperation of both the private and public sectors, and to
assure the safe, convenient, enjoyable stay and travel of the foreign and local
tourists in the country.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department shall have the following powers
and functions:
(1) Formulate policies, plans, programs and projects for the development of the
tourism industry;
(2) Administer, coordinate and supervise all activities of the Government concerning
tourism;
(3) Advise the President on the promulgation of laws relative to the policy, plans,
programs and projects designed to promote and develop the tourism industry;
(4) Effect the removal of unnecessary barriers to travel, the integration and
simplification of travel regulations as well as their efficient, fair and courteous
enforcement to assure expeditious and hospitable reception of all tourists and
travelers;
(5) Represent the government in all such conferences and meetings concerning
tourism and travel and discharge such responsibilities of the government as may
arise from treaties, agreements and other commitments on tourism and travel to
which it is signatory;
(6) Formulate standards for tourism-oriented establishments that will prescribe

minimum levels of operating quality and efficiency in order to ensure that facilities,
personnel and services are maintained in accordance with acceptable local and
international norms in the operations of tourism-oriented establishments;
(7) Approve the construction standards of accredited tourism-oriented

establishments including hotels, resorts, inns, motels and other related facilities and
services and prescribe information reporting on the purchase, sale or lease of the
said establishments and facilities;
(8) Provide the protection, maintenance and preservation of historical, cultural and
natural assets which are tourist attractions with the appropriate government
agencies or with the private sector or with the owners of said assets or attractions;
(9) Undertake research studies and surveys for the continuing analysis of economic
conditions and trends relating to tourism and maintain a statistical data bank on the
tourism industry;
(10) Design programs to encourage private-sector investment and participation in

tourism activities and projects;
(11) Set up and organize foreign field offices for the purpose of overseeing all
marketing and promotional activities and implementing programs of the
Department;
(12) Arrange, whenever deemed appropriate, for the reclamation of any land
adjacent to or adjoining a tourist zone in coordination with appropriate government
agencies;
(13) Delegate any specific powers and functions in favor of the regional offices to
promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public service;
(14) Enlist the aid, assistance and support of any and all government agencies, civil
or military, in the implementation of the provisions of laws pertaining to the
Department or of its rules and regulations;
(15) Exercise such powers and functions as may be necessary, proper, or incidental
to the attainment of its mandate;

Department Proper, Department Services, Bureaus and Offices, Regional and Foreign
Offices.
The Department Proper shall consist of the Offices of the Secretary and
Undersecretaries which shall be responsible for the preparation and development of
policies, plans, programs and projects of the Department.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by four (4)

Undersecretaries, namely:
(1) Undersecretary for Planning, Product Development and Coordination, who shall
be responsible for the Office of Tourism Development Planning, Office of Product
Development and Office of Tourism Coordination;
(2) Undersecretary for Tourism Services and Regional Offices, who shall be
responsible for the Office of Tourism Standards and all Regional Offices;
(3) Undersecretary for Tourism Promotions, who shall be responsible for the Bureau
of International Tourism Promotion, Bureau of Domestic Tourism Promotion and
Office of Tourism Information; and
(4) Undersecretary for Internal Services, who shall be responsible for the Financial
and Management Service, Administrative Service and Legal Service.
Section 7. Department Service Character and Head. - The Department Services shall
be essentially staff in character, each of which shall be headed by a Service Chief.
(1987), sec. 14)

Service shall provide the Department with staff advice and assistance on budgetary,
financial and management matters and shall perform such other related functions as
may be assigned or delegated to it by the Secretary.

Department with staff advice and assistance on personnel information, records,
communications, supplies, equipment, collection, disbursements, security, other
custodial work and such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned
or delegated to it by the Secretary.
Section 10. Legal Service. - The Legal Service shall provide the Department with
staff advice and assistance on all legal matters affecting the Department and
perform such other related functions as may be assigned or delegated to it by the
Secretary.
Section 11. Bureau and Office Character and Head. - The Bureaus and Offices shall
be essentially staff in character, each of which shall be headed by a Staff Director.
Section 12. Bureau of Domestic Tourism Promotions and Information. - The Bureau
of Domestic Tourism Promotions and Information shall have the following functions:
(1) Organize and coordinate programs of public relations, promotions, and publicity;
encourage domestic tourism and encourage overseas visitors to travel throughout
the Philippines;
(2) Design and provide support for dissemination of materials for publicity as tourist
attractions in the Philippines; promote educational and cultural tours to increase
travel within the country;
(4) Plan promotional campaigns through advertising and publicity and coordinate
promotional efforts with the private sector through sales campaigns and information
dissemination; and
(5) Organize special events for the promotion of local destinations.
Section 13. Bureau of International Tourism Promotions. - The Bureau of

International Tourism promotions shall have the following functions:
(1) Generate favorable publicity on the Philippines;
(2) Disseminate current information on the country and its tourist products;
(3) Provide support for the private sector in the promotional campaign;
(4) Organize special events to promote the country as a tourist destination;
(5) Gather market intelligence and research information on tourist markets through
the Foreign Field Offices;
(6) Monitor trends and developments in international tourism through the Foreign
Field Offices;
(7) Organize, set up and participate in international meetings, conferences and

conventions on tourism; and
(8) Supervise foreign field offices charged with coordinating and assisting in the
marketing and promotional activities and programs of the Department.
Section 14. Office of Tourism Information. - The Office of Tourism Information shall
(1) Promote a continuing wholesome and informative relationship between the

Department and the travelling public;
(2) Cause the widest publicity of existing and forthcoming activities and programs of
the Department through a functional relationship with the media; and
(3) Organize and disseminate promotional and tourist information materials to

various tourist assistance centers.
Section 15. Office of Tourism Standards. - The Office of Tourism Standards shall
(1) Approve the construction standards of tourism-oriented establishments including

hotels, resorts, inns, motels, and other related facilities and services, prescribe
information reporting on purchase, sale or lease of accredited tourism-oriented
facilities and ensure a harmonious, positive and constructive development of the
tourism, industry;
(2) Formulate operating standards for tourism-oriented establishments including

hotels and resorts, restaurants, inns, motels, and other related facilities and
services, that will prescribe minimum levels of operating quality and efficiency in
order to ensure that facilities, personnel and services are maintained in accordance
with acceptable local and international norms in the operations of tourism-oriented
establishments;
(3) Regulate and issue licenses to qualified travel agencies in accordance with the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary;
(4) Encourage formation of industry associations for accreditations by the

Department;
(5) Assist in auditioning Filipino entertainers in order to project properly and

enhance the Filipino image in the entertainment field and thereby gain better
international respect and reputation; and
(6) Coordinate with all agencies concerned on the enforcement of rules and
regulations promulgated by the Department.
Section 16. Office of Tourism Development Planning. - The Office of Tourism

Development Planning shall have the following functions:
(1) Formulate plans and policies for the development of the tourism industry,
including but not limited to national tourism plans and the identification of master
physical plans for tourism zones within the country;
(2) Monitor and evaluate plans, programs and projects of the Department to ensure
their effective implementation;
(3) Undertake research studies and surveys for the continuing analysis of the
tourism industry;
(4) Compile and integrate statistical data on the tourism industry and publish the
same;
(5) Coordinate and assist in the implementation of tourism-oriented projects, plans

or operations of local governments, governmental agencies, public corporations, and
where clearly necessary and feasible, those of private entities so as to make
possible the accelerated and balanced growth and development of tourism in the
Philippines which is responsible to the needs of targetted travel markets, domestic
and foreign, and beneficial to a greater number of Filipino communities;
(6) Analyze specific geographical areas with potential tourism value leading to the
preparation of a national tourism development plan which will establish the order of
priority for the development plan of tourist zone;
(7) Formulate a government plan for each zone in coordination with other
government agencies and local government units exercising political jurisdiction over
the area, provided, that the plan of the zone to be developed shall cover specifically
those aspects pertaining to tourisms; provided further, that the tourism
development plan is fully coordinated and integrated with other sectoral plans for
the area; and
(8) Coordinate with appropriate local government units and other government
agencies to assist in formulating and implementing zone regulations, including
building codes, hotel standards and such other restrictions as may be necessary
within a tourist zone to control its orderly development; preserve such historical,
cultural or natural assets or relics giving the zone its tourism value and significance;
and assure adherence to approved zone development plans;
(9) Ensure through proper coordination with appropriate government agencies and
local private agencies the social growth of the community within a tourist zone;
carefully control possible negative social impact brought about by tourism
development.
Section 17. Office of Product Development. - The Office of Product Development

(1) Develop and conceptualize new products which can lead to the enhancement of
tourist sites and facilities;
(2) Undertake pilot tests for testing the viability and acceptability of new tourism-
related products and programs; and
(3) Encourage and promote joint undertakings with the private sector of new
tourism-related products and programs.
Section 18. Office of Tourism Coordination. - The Office of Tourism Coordination

(1) Initiate and coordinate with all sectors, both government and private, the
development of the national tourism plans and policies;
(2) Coordinate priority activities and projects of the Department, and other
government agencies, and the private sector;
(3) Enlist the assistance and support of any or all of the government agencies in the
implementation of the policies of the Department; and
(4) Provide support to all tourism-related activities of the private sector needing
government assistance.
CHAPTER 5 - Foreign and Regional Offices
Section 19. Foreign Field Offices. - Subject to the approval of the President, the
Department shall have foreign offices as may be necessary in the marketing and
promotion of the Philippines as an international tourist destination, which shall
oversee and implement the marketing and promotional programs of the
Department.
Section 20. Regional Office. - The Department is authorized to establish, operate

and maintain a Regional Office in each of the administrative regions of the country,
under the immediate supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Tourism Services and
Regional Offices. A Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Director and shall,
within its administrative region, have the following functions:
(1) Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, rules and regulations of the
Department;
(2) Provide economical, efficient and effective service to the people;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, bureaus, and agencies;
Section 21. Attached Agencies. - The Philippine Tourism Authority, and Philippine
Convention Bureau, Intramuros Administration, and National Parks Development
Committee are hereby attached to the Department and shall continue to operate
and function in accordance with the respective charters/laws/orders provided in this
Code.
Title XIV - ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - (1) The State shall ensure, for the benefit of the
Filipino people, the full exploration and development as well as the judicious
disposition, utilization, management, renewal and conservation of the country's
forest, mineral, land, waters, fisheries, wildlife, off-shore areas and other natural
resources, consistent with the necessity of maintaining a sound ecological balance
and protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment and the objective of
making the exploration, development and utilization of such natural resources
equitably accessible to the different segments of the present as well as future
generations.
(2) The State shall likewise recognize and apply a true value system that takes into
account social and environmental cost implications relative to the utilization,
development and conservation of our natural resources.
Section 2. Mandate. - (1) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources

shall be primarily responsible for the implementation of the foregoing policy.
(2) It shall, subject to law and higher authority, be in charge of carrying out the
State's constitutional mandate to control and supervise the exploration,
development, utilization, and conservation of the country's natural resources.
Section 3. Guidelines for Implementation. - In the discharge of its responsibility the

Department shall be guided by the following objectives:
(1) Assure the availability and sustainability of the country's natural resources
through judicious use and systematic restoration or replacement, whenever
possible;
(2) Increase the productivity of natural resources in order to meet the demands for
the products from forest, mineral, land and water resources of a growing
population;
(3) Enhance the contribution of natural resources for achieving national economic
and social development;
(4) Promote equitable access to natural resources by the different sectors of the
population; and
(5) Conserve specific terrestrial and marine areas representative of the Philippine
natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.
(1) Advise the President and the Congress on the enactment of laws relative to the
exploration, development, use, regulation and conservation of the country's natural
resources and the control of pollution;
(2) Formulate, implement and supervise the implementation of the government's

policies, plans and programs pertaining to the management, conservation,
development, use and replenishment of the country's natural resources;
(3) Promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with law governing the
exploration, development, conservation, extraction, disposition, use and such other
commercial activities tending to cause the depletion and degradation of our natural
resources;
(4) Exercise supervision and control over forest lands, alienable and disposable
public lands, mineral resources and, in the process of exercising such control,
impose appropriate taxes, fees, charges, rentals and any such form of levy and
collect such revenues for the exploration, development, utilization or gathering of
such resources;
(5) Undertake the exploration, assessment, classification and inventory of the

country's natural resources, using ground surveys, remote sensing and
complementary technologies;
(6) Promote proper and mutual consultation with the private sector on matters
involving natural resources exploration, development, use and conservation;
(7) Undertake geological surveys of the whole country including its territorial
waters;
(8) Issue licenses and permits for activities related to the use and development of
aquatic resources, treasure hunting, salvaging of sunken vessels and other similar
activities:
(9) Establish policies and implement programs for the:
(a) Accelerated inventory, survey and classification of lands, forest and mineral
resources, using appropriate technology, to be able to come up with a more
accurate assessment of resource quality and quantity;
(b) Equitable distribution of natural resources through the judicious administration,

regulation, utilization, development and conservation of public lands, forest, water
and mineral resources (including mineral reservation areas), that would benefit a
greater number of Filipinos;
(c) Promotion, development and expansion of natural resource-based industries;
(d) Preservation of cultural and natural heritage through wildlife conservation and
segregation of national parks and other protected areas;
(e) Maintenance of a wholesome natural environment by enforcing environmental

protection laws; and
(f) Encouragement of greater people participation and private initiative in rural

resource management;
(10) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to:
(a) Accelerate cadastral and emancipation patent surveys, land use planning and
public land titling:
(b) Harness forest resources in a sustainable manner, to assist rural development,

support forest-based industries, and provide raw materials to meet increasing
demands, at the same time keeping adequate reserves for environmental stability;
(c) Expedite mineral resources surveys, promote the production of metallic and non-
metallic minerals and encourage mineral marketing;
(d) Assure conservation and judicious and sustainable development of aquatic

resources.
(11) Assess, review and provide direction to, in coordination with concerned
government agencies, energy research and development programs, including
identification of sources of energy and determination of their commercial feasibility
for development;
(12) Regulate the development, disposition, extraction, exploration and use of the
country's forest, land, water and mineral resources;
(13) Assume responsibility for the assessment, development, protection, licensing

and regulation as provided for by law, where applicable, of all energy and natural
resources; the regulation and monitoring of service contractors, licensees, lessees,
and permit for the extraction, exploration, development and use of natural resources
products; the implementation of programs and measures with the end in view of
promoting close collaboration between the government and the private sector; the
effective and efficient classification and subclassification of lands of the public

domain; and the enforcement of natural resources and environmental laws, rules
and regulations;
(14) Promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines on the issuance of licenses,

permits, concessions, lease agreements and such other privileges concerning the
development, exploration and utilization of the country's marine, freshwater, and
brackish water and over all aquatic resources of the country and shall continue to
oversee, supervise and police our natural resources; cancel or cause to cancel such
privileges upon failure, non-compliance or violations of any regulation, order, and for
all other causes which are in furtherance of the conservation of natural resources
and supportive of the national interest;
(15) Exercise exclusive jurisdiction on the management and disposition of all lands
of the public domain and serve as the sole agency responsible for classification, sub-
classification, surveying and titling of lands in consultation with appropriate
agencies;
(16) Implement measures for the regulation and supervision of the processing of
forest products, grading and inspection of lumber and other forest products and
monitoring of the movement of timber and other forest products;
(17) Promulgate rules and regulations for the control of water, air and land
pollution;
(18) Promulgate ambient and effluent standards for water and air quality including
the allowable levels of other pollutants and radiations;
(19) Promulgate policies, rules and regulations for the conservation of the country's
genetic resources and biological diversity, and endangered habitats;
(20) Formulate an integrated, multi-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary National

Conservation Strategy, which will be presented to the Cabinet for the President's
approval;

Department Proper, the Staff Offices, the Staff Bureaus, and the Regional Offices,
Provincial Offices and Community Offices.
CHAPTER 2 - The Department Proper
Section 6. Composition. - The Department Proper shall be composed of the Office of

the Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, and the
Public Affairs Office, Special Concerns Office, and the Pollution Adjudication Board.
Section 8. The Secretary. - The Secretary shall:
(1) Advise the President on the promulgation of rules, regulations and other
issuances relative to the conservation, management, development and proper use of
the country's natural resources;
(2) Establish policies and standards for the efficient and effective operations of the
Department in accordance with the programs of the government;
(3) Promulgate rules, regulations and other issuances necessary in carrying out the
Department's mandate, objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects.
(4) Exercise supervision and control over all functions and activities of the
Department;
(5) Delegate authority for the performance of any administrative or substantive

function to subordinate officials of the Department; and
President.
Undersecretaries upon the recommendation of the Secretary. The Secretary is
thereby authorized to delineate, assign and/or reassign the respective functional
areas of responsibility of each Undersecretary, Provided, That such responsibility
shall be with respect to the mandate and objectives of the Department; and
Provided, further, That no Undersecretary shall be assigned primarily administrative
responsibilities. Within his functional area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall
(1) Advise the Secretary in the promulgation of Department orders, administrative

orders and other issuances, with respect to his area of responsibility;
(2) Exercise supervision and control over the offices, services, operating units and
officers and employees under his responsibility;
(3) Promulgate rules and regulations, consistent with Department policies, that will
efficiently and effectively govern the activities of units under his responsibility;
(4) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under his responsibility with
those of other units under the responsibility of other Undersecretaries;
(5) Exercise such authority on substantive and administrative matters related to the
functions and activities of units under his responsibility to the extent granted by the
Secretary through administrative issuances; and
Secretary.
Section 10. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary and the Undersecretaries shall, in
the formulation, management and implementation of natural resources laws,
policies, plans and programs and projects, also be assisted by seven (7) Assistant
Secretaries who shall be responsible for the following: one (1) for Policy and
Planning Studies, one (1) for Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects, one (1) for Field
Operations in Luzon, one (1) for Field Operations in the Visayas, and one (1) for
Field Operations in Mindanao, one (1) for Legal Affairs, and one (1) for Management
Services.
Section 11. Public Affairs Office. - The Public Affairs Office, under the Office of the
Secretary, shall be headed by a Director to be assisted by an Assistant Director, and
shall serve as the public information arm of the Department. It shall be responsible
for disseminating information on natural resources development policies, plans,
programs and projects and respond to public queries related to the development
and conservation of natural resources.
Section 12. Special Concerns Office. - The Special Concerns Office, also under the
Office of the Secretary, shall be headed by a Director to be assisted by an Assistant
Director, and shall be responsible for handling priority areas or subjects identified by
the Secretary which necessitate special and immediate attention.
Section 13. Pollution Adjudication Board. - The Pollution Adjudication Board, under
the Office of the Secretary, shall be composed of the Secretary as Chairman, two
Undersecretaries as may be designated by the Secretary, the Director of
Environmental Management, and three others to be designated by the Secretary as
members. The Board shall assume the powers and functions of the
Commission/Commissioners of the National Pollution Control Commission with
respect to the adjudication of pollution cases under Republic Act 3931 and
Presidential Decree 984, particularly with respect to Section 6 letters (e), (f), (g),
(j), (k) and (p) of P.D. 984. The Environmental Management Bureau shall serve as
the Secretariat of the Board. These powers and functions may be delegated to the
regional officers of the Department in accordance with rules and regulations to be
promulgated by the Board.
CHAPTER 3 - The Staff Sectoral Bureaus
Section 14. Forest Management Bureau. - The Forest Management Bureau shall be
headed by a Director and assisted by an Assistant Director, and shall integrate and
absorb the powers of the Bureau of Forest Development and the Wood Industry
Development Authority which were abolished by Executive Order No. 131, except
those line functions and powers thereof which are transferred to the regional field
office.
It shall advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to forest development and

conservation. As its primary functions, it shall:
(1) Recommend policies and/or programs for the effective protection, development,
occupancy, management and conservation of forest lands and watersheds, including
the grazing and mangrove areas; reforestation and rehabilitation of critically
denuded or degraded forest reservations, improvement of water resource use and
development, development of national parks, preservation of wilderness areas,
game refuges and wildlife sanctuaries, ancestral lands, wilderness areas and other
natural preserves, development of forest plantations, including rattan, bamboo, and
other valuable non-timber forest resources; and rationalization of the wood-based
industries, regulation of the utilization and exploitation of forest resources, including
wildlife, to ensure continuous supply of forest and goods and services;
(2) Advise the regional offices in the implementation of the above policies and/or
programs;
(3) Develop plans, programs, operating standards and administrative measures to

promote the Bureau's objectives and functions;
(4) Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of forestry and watershed development
projects to ensure efficiency and effectiveness;
(5) Undertake studies on the economics of forestry and forest-based industries,

including supply and demand trends on the local, national and international levels,
identifying investment problems and opportunities in various areas; and
Secretary.
Section 15. Lands Management Bureau. - The Lands Management Bureau, to be

headed by Director and assisted by an Assistant Director, shall absorb the functions
and powers of the Bureau of Lands abolished by Executive Order No. 131, except
those line functions and powers thereof which are transferred to the regional field
offices.
It shall advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to rational management and

disposition and shall have the following functions:
(1) Recommend policies and programs for the efficient and effective administration,
surveys, management and disposition of alienable and disposable lands of the public
domain and other lands outside the responsibilities of other government agencies,
such as reclaimed areas and other areas not needed for or are not being utilized for
the purposes for which they have been established;
(2) Advise the Regional Offices on the efficient and effective implementation of
policies, programs and projects for more effective public lands management;
(3) Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of land surveys, management and
disposition of lands to ensure efficiency and effectiveness thereof;
(4) Issue standards, guidelines, regulations and orders to enforce policies for the
maximization of land use and development;
(5) Develop operating standards and procedures to promote the Bureau's objectives
and functions; and
Secretary.
Section 16. Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau. - The Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau,
to be headed by a Director and assisted by an Assistant Director shall absorb the
functions of the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences, Mineral Reservation
Development Board, and the Gold Mining Development Board which were abolished
by Executive Order No. 131, except line functions and powers thereof which are
transferred to the regional field offices.
It shall advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to geology and mineral resources
exploration, development, utilization and conservation and shall:
(1) Recommend policies, regulations or programs pertaining to mineral resources

development and geology;
(2) Advise the Secretary on the granting of mining rights and contracts over areas
containing metallic and non-metallic mineral resources;
(3) Advise the Regional Offices on the effective implementation of mineral

development and conservation programs as well as geological surveys;
(4) Recommend policies, regulations and oversee the development and exploitation
of mineral resources of the sea within the country's jurisdiction such as silica sand,
gold placer, magnetic and chromite sand, etc;
(5) Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the Bureau's programs and projects to
ensure efficiency and effectiveness thereof;
(6) Develop and promulgate standards and operating procedures on mineral

resources development and geology;
(7) Supervise and control the development and packaging of nationally applicable
technologies on geological survey, mineral resource assessment, mining and
metallurgy; the provision of geological, metallurgical, chemical and rock mechanics
laboratory services; the conduct of marine geological and geophysical survey and
natural exploration drilling programs; and
Secretary.
Section 17. Environmental Management Bureau. - The Environmental Management

Bureau, to be headed by a Director who shall be assisted by an Assistant Director
shall, subject to the provisions of this Code relative to the Pollution Adjudication
Board, absorb and integrate the powers and functions of the National Environmental
Protection Council, the National Pollution Control Commission, and the
Environmental Center of the Philippines which are hereby abolished.
It shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to environmental management,

conservation, and pollution control, and shall:
(1) Recommend possible legislation, policies and programs for environmental

management and pollution control;
(2) Advise the Regional Offices in the efficient and effective implementation of
policies, programs, and projects for the effective and efficient environmental
management and pollution control;
(3) Formulate environmental quality standards such as the quality standards for
water, air, land, noise and radiations;
(4) Recommend rules and regulation for environmental impact assessments and
provide technical assistance for their implementation and monitoring;
(5) Formulate rules and regulations for the proper disposition of solid wastes, toxic
and hazardous substances;
(6) Advise the Secretary on the legal aspects of environmental management and
pollution control and assist in the conduct of public hearings in pollution cases;
(7) Provide secretariat assistance to the Pollution Adjudication Board;
(8) Coordinate the inter-agency committees that may be created for the preparation
of the State of the Philippine Environment Report and the National Conservation
Strategy;
(9) Provide assistance to the Regional Office in the formulation and dissemination of
information on environmental and pollution matters to the general public;
(10) Assist the Secretary and the Regional Officers by providing technical assistance
in the implementation of environmental and pollution laws; and
(11) Provide scientific assistance to the Regional Offices in the conduct of

environmental research programs.
Section 18. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau. - The Ecosystems

Research and Development Bureau, to be headed by a Director and assisted by an
Assistant Director, shall absorb the powers and functions of the Forest Research
Institute and the National Mangrove Committee, which are hereby abolished.
It shall:
(1) Formulate and recommend an integrated research program relating to Philippine

ecosystems and natural resources such as minerals, lands, forests, as holistic and
interdisciplinary fields of inquiry;
(2) Assist the Secretary in determining a system of priorities for the allocation of
resources to various technological research programs of the department;
(3) Provide technical assistance in the implementation and monitoring of the

aforementioned research programs;
(4) Generate technologies and provide scientific assistance in the research and
development of technologies relevant to the sustainable uses of Philippine
ecosystems and natural resources; and
(5) Assist the Secretary in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the implementation
of the integrated research programs.
The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau shall directly manage and
administer the Forest Research Institute Research Offices, laboratories, and forest
experiment stations located at UP Los Baños and such other field laboratories as the
Secretary may assign to its direct supervision. The Bureau shall coordinate all
technological researches undertaken by the field offices, assess and translate all
recommendable findings and disseminate such findings for all possible users and
clientele.
Section 19. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. - The Protected Areas and Wildlife
Bureau, to be headed by a Director and assisted by an Assistant Director, shall
absorb the Division of Parks and Wildlife and the Marine Parks Program of the
Bureau of Forest Development as well as the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife
Sanctuary, Presidential Committee on the Conservation of Tamaraw, Ninoy Aquino
Parks and Wildlife Center (formerly Parks and Wildlife Nature Center), shares in
Kabuhayan Program and Agro Forestry State Projects of the KKK Processing
Authority, all national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and game preserves previously
managed and administered by the Ministry of Human Settlement including National
Parks Reservation situated in the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Quezon
formerly declared as Bagong Lipunan Sites of said Ministry, Magat Forest
Reservation and Mt. Arayat National Park, formerly with the Ministry of Tourism.
The Bureau shall:
(1) Formulate and recommend policies, guidelines, rules and regulations for the
establishment and management of an Integrated Protected Areas Systems such as
national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and refuge, marine parks, and biospheric
reserves;
(2) Formulate and recommend policies, guidelines, rules and regulations for the
preservation of biological diversity, genetic resources, the endangered Philippine
flora and fauna;
(3) Prepare an up-to-date listing of endangered Philippine flora and fauna and
recommend a program of conservation and propagation of the same;
(4) Assist the Secretary in the monitoring and assessment of the management of
the Integrated Protected Areas System and provide technical assistance to the
Regional Offices in the implementation of programs for these areas; and
Secretary.
CHAPTER 4 - The Department Field Offices
Section 20. Field Offices of the Department. - The Field offices of the Department
are the Environmental and Natural Resources Regional Offices in the thirteen (13)
administrative regions of the country; the Environment and Natural Resources
Provincial Office in every province, and the Community Office in every municipality,
whenever deemed necessary.
Section 21. Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office. - A Regional Office
shall be directly under the supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Field
Operations and shall be headed by a Regional Executive Director (with the rank of
Regional Director) who shall be assisted by five (5) Assistant Regional Technical
Directors, (with the rank of Assistant Regional Director), one (1) each for Forestry,
for Lands Management, for Mines and Geo-Sciences, Environmental Management
and Ecosystems Research, respectively, and who shall be Career Executive Service
Officers.
An Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office shall be located in the

identified regional capital and shall have the following functions:
(1) Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, projects, and rules and regulations of
the Department to promote the sustainability and productivity of natural resources,
social equity in natural resource utilization and environmental protection;
(2) Provide efficient and effective delivery of services to the people;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices, agencies in the
region and local government units in the enforcement of natural resource
conservation laws and regulations, and in the formulation/implementation of natural
resource programs and projects;
(4) Recommend and, upon approval, implement programs and projects on forestry,
minerals, and land management and disposition;
(5) Conduct a comprehensive inventory of natural resources in the region and

formulate regional short and long-term development plans for the conservation,
utilization and replacement of natural resources;
(6) Evolve respective regional budget in conformity with the priorities established by
the Regional Development Councils;
(7) Supervise the processing of natural resources products, grade and inspect
minerals, lumber and other wood processed products, and monitor the movement of
these products;
(8) Conduct field researches for appropriate technologies recommended for various
projects; and
Secretary.
Section 22. Provincial and Community Offices. - The Natural resources provincial
and community offices shall each be headed by a provincial natural resource officer
and community natural resource officer, respectively. They shall take over the
functions of the district offices of the former Bureau of Forest Development, Bureau
of Lands, and Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences.
CHAPTER 5 - Attached Agencies and Corporations
Section 23. Attached Agencies and Corporations. - The following agencies and
corporations shall be attached to and under the administrative supervision of the
Department:
(1) National Mapping and Research Information Authority;

(2) National Electrification Administration; and
(3) National Resources Development Corporation.
The agencies attached to the Department shall continue to operate and function in
accordance with the respective laws creating them, except as otherwise provided in
this Code.
Title XV - TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State is committed to the maintenance and

expansion of viable, efficient, fast, safe and dependable transportation and
communications systems as effective instruments for national recovery and
economic progress. It shall not compete as a matter of policy with private enterprise
and shall operate transportation and communications facilities only in those areas
where private initiatives are inadequate or non-existent.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department of Transportation and Communications shall

be the primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing,
regulating and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government in
the promotion, development and regulation of dependable and coordinated networks
of transportation and communications systems as well as in the fast, safe, efficient
and reliable postal, transportation and communications services.
Section 3. Powers and Functions.- To accomplish its mandate, the Department shall:
(1) Formulate and recommend national policies and guidelines for the preparation
and implementation of integrated and comprehensive transportation and
communications systems at the national, regional and local levels;
(2) Establish and administer comprehensive and integrated programs for

transportation and communications, and for this purpose, it may call on any agency,
corporation or organization, whether public or private, whose development programs
include transportation and communications as integral parts thereof, to participate
and assist in the preparation and implementation of such programs;
(3) Assess, review and provide direction to transportation and communications

research and development programs of the government in coordination with other
institutions concerned;
(4) Administer and enforce all laws, rules and regulations in the field of
transportation and communications;
(5) Coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways in the design,
location, development, rehabilitation, improvement, construction, maintenance and
repair of all infrastructure projects and facilities of the Department. However,
government corporate entities attached to the Department shall be authorized to
undertake specialized telecommunications, ports, airports and railways projects and
facilities as directed by the President of the Philippines or as provided by law;
(6) Establish, operate and maintain a nationwide postal system that shall include
mail processing, delivery services and money order services and promote the art of
philately;
(7) Issue certificates of public convenience for the operation of public land and rail
transportation utilities and services;
(8) Accredit foreign aircraft manufacturers or international organizations for aircraft

certification in accordance with established procedures and standards;
(9) Establish and prescribe rules and regulations for identification of routes, zones or
areas of operation of particular operators of public land services;
(10) Establish and prescribe rules and regulations for the establishment, operation
and maintenance of such telecommunications facilities in areas not adequately
served by the private sector in order to render such domestic and overseas services
that are necessary with due consideration for advances in technology;
(11) Establish and prescribe rules and regulations for the issuance of certificates of
public convenience for public land transportation utilities, such as motor vehicles,
trimobiles and railways;
(12) Establish and prescribe rules and regulations for the inspection and registration
of air and land transportation facilities, such as motor vehicles, trimobiles, railways
and aircraft;
(13) Establish and prescribe rules and regulations for the issuance of licenses to
qualified motor vehicle drivers, conductors and airmen;
(14) Establish and prescribe the corresponding rules and regulations for
enforcement of laws governing land transportation, air transportation and postal
services, including the penalties for violations thereof, and for the deputation of
appropriate law enforcement agencies in pursuance thereof;
(15) Determine, fix or prescribe charges or rates pertinent to postal services and to
the operation of public air and land transportation utility facilities and services,
except such rates or charges as may be prescribed by the Civil Aeronautics Board
under its charter and, in cases where charges or rates are established by
international bodies or associations of which the Philippines is a participating
member or by bodies or associations recognized by the Philippine government as
the proper arbiter of such charges or rates;
(16) Establish and prescribe the rules, regulations, procedures and standards for the
accreditation of driving schools;
(17) Administer and operate the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) and the
National Telecommunications Training Institute (NTTI); and
(18) Perform such other powers and functions as may be provided by law.

Department Proper, the Department Regional Offices, the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Attached Agencies.
Secretary, his immediate staff, the Franchising Review Staff and the Investigation,
Security and Law Enforcement Staff.
The Franchising Review Staff shall be headed by a Review Staff Director with the
same rank, salary and privileges of a Department Regional Director who shall be
appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary. The
Franchising Review Staff shall assist the Secretary in the review of cases and
matters pertaining to, among others, grants of franchises and the regulation thereof.
The Investigation, Security and Law Enforcement Staff shall be headed by a Staff
Director with the same rank, salary and privileges of a Department Service Chief.
The Investigation, Security and Law Enforcement Staff shall be responsible for: (a)
providing security and intelligence for the Department; (b) coordinating security and
intelligence activities of security units of its offices and attached agencies; and (c)
undertaking law enforcement, functions and activities relating to land
transportation.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by four (4)

Undersecretaries. Each Undersecretary shall have control and supervision over the
respective offices and services assigned to him by the Secretary.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by eight (8)
Assistant Secretaries each of whom shall be responsible for the four (4) staff offices
and four (4) line offices. Each Assistant Secretary shall report to the respective
Undersecretary to whom he is assigned by the President.
Section 8. Staff Offices. - The Department shall have the following staff offices:
(1) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs
composed of the Administrative Service and the Legal Service;
(2) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Finance and Comptrollership composed
of the Finance and Management Service and the Comptrollership Service;
(3) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Project Development
composed of the Planning Service and the Project Development Service; and
(4) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Management Information and Project
Management composed of the Management Information Service and the Project
Management Service.
Section 9. Line Offices. - The Department shall have the following line offices:
(1) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Land Transportation;
(2) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Postal Services;
(3) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Telecommunications; and
(4) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Air Transportation.
The line offices shall each have an Executive Director who shall assist the respective
Assistant Secretary in the implementation and enforcement of the policies,
programs and projects, and the pertinent laws on their respective areas of
responsibilities.
Section 10. Service Units in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Land
Transportation. - There shall be two service units in the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Land Transportation, namely:
(1) Law Enforcement Service, and
(2) Traffic Adjudication Service.

Each of the aforesaid service units shall be headed by a Service Chief to be
appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation
and Communication.
Section 11. Functions of the Law Enforcement Service. - The Law Enforcement
Service shall have the same functions and powers as those that the former Law
Enforcement Division in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Land Transportation
exercised.
Section 12. Functions of the Traffic Adjudication Service. - The Traffic Adjudication
Service shall have the following powers and functions:
(1) To hear and decide cases involving violations of laws, rules and regulations
governing land transportation and to impose fines and/or penalties therefor;
provided that violations resulting in damage to property and/or physical injuries or
violations constituting offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and other
penal laws shall be under the jurisdiction of the regular courts;
(2) To order the impounding of motor vehicles and confiscation of plates or the
arrest of violators of laws, rules and regulations governing land transportation;
(3) To issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum and to summon witnesses to
appear in any proceedings thereof, and to administer oaths and affirmations;
(4) To promulgate rules and regulations governing the proceedings before it;
provided that except with respect to paragraph c, the rules of procedure and
evidence prevailing in the courts of law shall not be controlling and all reasonable
means to ascertain the facts in each case shall be used without regard to
technicalities of law and procedures but all in the interest of due process; and
(5) To perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law, or as
may be necessary, or proper or incidental to its powers and functions.
Section 13. Department Services. - The Department Services shall include the
following:
(1) Administrative Service;
(2) Legal Service;
(3) Finance and Management Service;
(4) Comptrollership Service;
(5) Planning Service;
(6) Project Development Service;
(7) Management Information Service; and
(8) Project Management Service.
Each of the above named services shall be headed by a Service Chief appointed by
the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
Section 14. Regional Offices. - The Department shall have three (3) Regional Offices
in each of the administrative regions of the country: the Regional Office for Land
Transportation, the Regional Office for Telecommunications and the Regional Office
for Postal Services. Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional Director to
be assisted by an Assistant Regional Director.
The Regional Offices shall essentially be line in character and shall be responsible for
the delivery of all front line services of the Department.
For such purposes, the Regional Offices shall have, within their respective
administrative regions, the following functions:
(1) Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and regulations
of the Department;
(3) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices and
agencies;
The Office of the Secretary shall have direct line supervision and control over
Regional Offices.
CHAPTER 5 - Regulatory Board
Section 15. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. - The quasi-
judicial powers and functions with respect to land transportation shall be exercised
through the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board, hereinafter referred to as
the "Board".
Section 16. Composition of the Board. - The Board shall be composed of a Chairman
and two (2) members with the rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant Secretary,
all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon
recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation and Communications. One (1)
member of the Board shall be a member of the Bar and shall have been engaged in
the practice of law in the Philippines for at least five (5) years, another a holder of a
degree in civil engineering, and the other a holder of a degree in economics, finance
or management both with the same number of years of experience and practice.
Section 17. Executive Director and Support Staff of the Board. - The Board shall
have an Executive Director who shall also be appointed by the President of the
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation and
Communications. He shall have the rank, salary and privileges of a Department
Service Chief. He shall assist the Board in the performance of its powers and
functions.
The Board shall be supported by the Technical Evaluation Division, Legal Division,
Management Information Division, Administrative Division and Finance Division.
Section 18. Supervision and Control Over the Board. - The Secretary of
Transportation and Communications, through his duly designated Undersecretary,
shall exercise administrative supervision and control over the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Section 19. Powers and Functions of the Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board. - The Board shall:
(1) Prescribe and regulate routes, economically viable capacities, and zones or areas
of operation of public land transportation services provided by motorized vehicles in
accordance with the public land transportation development plans and programs
approved by the Department of Transportation and Communications;
(2) Issue, amend, revise, suspend or cancel Certificates of Public Convenience or

permits authorizing the operation of public land transportation services provided by
motorized vehicles, and prescribe the appropriate terms and conditions therefor;
(3) Determine, prescribe, approve and periodically review and adjust reasonable
fares, rates and other related charges, relative to the operation of public land
transportation services provided by motorized vehicles;
(4) Issue preliminary or permanent injunctions, whether prohibitory or mandatory,

in all cases in which it has jurisdiction and in which cases the pertinent provisions of
the Rules of Court shall apply;
(5) Punish for contempt of the Board, both direct and indirect, in accordance with
the pertinent provisions of, and the penalties prescribed by, the Rules of Court;
(6) Issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum and to summon witnesses to appear
in any proceedings of the Board, to administer oaths and affirmations, and, in
appropriate cases, to order the search and seizure of all vehicles and documents,
upon probable cause and as may be necessary for the proper disposition of the
cases before it;
(7) Conduct investigations and hearings of complaints for violation of the public
service laws on land transportation and of the Board's rules and regulations, orders,
decisions or rulings and to impose fines or penalties for such violations;
(8) Review motu propio the decisions/actions of the Regional Franchising and
Regulatory Offices;
(9) Promulgate rules and regulations governing proceedings before the Board and
the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office. However, except with respect to
paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7 hereof, the rules of procedure and evidence prevailing in
the courts of law should not be controlling but rather the spirit and intention of said
rules. The Board and the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices shall use every
and all reasonable means to ascertain facts in each case speedily and objectively
and without regard to technicalities of law and procedures, all in the interest of due
process;
(10) Fix, impose and collect, and periodically review and adjust, reasonable fees and
other related charges for services rendered;
(11) Formulate, promulgate, administer, implement and enforce rules and

regulations on land transportation public utilities, standards of measurements or
design, and rules and regulations requiring operators of any public land
transportation service to equip, install and provide in their utilities and in their
stations such devices, equipment, facilities and operating procedures and techniques
as may promote safety, protection, comfort and convenience to persons and
property in their charges as well as the safety of persons and property within their
areas of operation;
(12) Coordinate and cooperate with other government agencies and entities
concerned with any aspect involving public land transportation services with the end
in view of effecting continuing improvement of such services; and
(13) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law, or as may
be necessary, or proper or incidental to the purposes and objectives of the
Department;
Section 20. Decisions of the Board; Appeals therefrom or Review Thereof . - The
Board, in the exercise of its powers and functions, shall sit and render its decision
en banc. Every such decision, order, or resolution of the Board must bear the
concurrence and signature of at least two (2) members thereof.
The decision, order or resolution of the Board shall be appealable to the Secretary
within thirty (30) days from receipt of the decision. However, the Secretary may
motu propio review and decision or action of the Board before the same becomes
final.
Section 21. Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices. - There shall be a Regional
Franchising and Regulatory Office in each of the administrative regions of the
country which shall be headed by a Regional Director having the rank, salary and
privileges of a Department Assistant Regional Director.
The Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices shall hear and decide uncontested
applications/petitions for routes, within their respective administrative regions but
that applications/petitions for routes extending beyond their respective territorial
jurisdiction shall be heard and decided by the Board.
Section 22. Appeals. - The decisions, orders or resolutions of the Regional

Franchising and Regulatory Offices shall be appealable to the Board within thirty
(30) days from receipt of the decision.
Section 23. Attached Agencies and Corporations. - The following agencies and
corporations are attached to the Department: The Philippine National Railways, the
Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine National Lines, the Philippine Aerospace
Development Corporation, the Metro Manila Transit Corporation, the Office of
Transport Cooperatives, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Merchant
Marine Academy, the Toll Regulatory Board, the Light Rail Transit Authority, the
Transport Training Center, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the National
Telecommunications Commission and the Manila International Airport Authority.
Section 24. Functions of Attached Agencies and Corporations. - The Agencies

with the respective charters or laws creating them, except when they conflict with
this Code.
Title XVI - SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State is committed to the care, protection,

and rehabilitation of individuals, families and communities which have the least in
life and need social welfare assistance and social work intervention to restore their
normal functioning and enable them to participate in community affairs.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall provide a balanced approach to welfare

whereby the needs and interests of the population are addressed not only at the
outbreak of crisis but more importantly at the stage which would inexorably lead to
such crisis. Following such strategy, the Department's objectives shall be to:
(1) Care for, protect and rehabilitate the physically and mentally handicapped and
socially disabled constituents, for effective social functioning;
(2) Provide an integrated welfare package to its constituents on the basis of their
needs and coordinate the service facilities required from such departments or
agencies, governmental and non-governmental, which can best provide them;
(3) Arrest the further deterioration of the socially disabling or dehumanizing

conditions of the disadvantaged segment of the population at the community level;
and
(4) Advocate for policies and measures addressing social welfare concerns.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate and objectives, the
Department shall:
(1) Formulate, develop and implement plans, programs and projects in the field of
social welfare and development;
(2) Adopt policies to ensure effective implementation of programs for public and
private social welfare services;
(3) Promote, support and coordinate the establishment, expansion and maintenance
of non-government social welfare facilities, projects and services;
(4) Establish, operate, maintain and otherwise support institutional facilities,

projects and services for its constituents;
(5) Promote, build and strengthen people's organizations for a self-directing welfare
system at the grassroots level;
(6) Promote, support and coordinate networks and facilities for the identification and
delivery of appropriate interventions to its welfare constituents;
(7) Accredit institutions and organizations engaged in social welfare activities and
provide consultative and information services to them;
(8) Undertake researches and studies on matters pertaining to its constituency;
(9) Initiate, promote and maintain bilateral and multi-lateral linkages for technical
cooperation, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs;
(10) Provide advisory services and develop and implement training standard and
programs for personnel, social workers and students and third-country participants
for career and staff development in social welfare activities;
(11) Disseminate information and publish technical bulletins on social welfare and
development;
(12) Deputize law enforcement agencies to assist in the implementation of laws,

rules and regulations for the protection of the rights of the exploited, abused and
disadvantaged;
(13) Regulate fund drives, public solicitations and donations for charitable or welfare
purposes;
(14) Set standards, accredit and monitor performance of all social welfare activities
in both public and private sectors;
(15) Exercise functional and technical supervision over social workers in other
government settings or agencies like courts, hospitals, schools and housing
projects;
(16) Deputize local government units and other agencies of government as are
necessary in providing disaster relief;
(17) Coordinate all activities pertaining to the implementation of programs and

services for the disabled, the aging and other socially disadvantaged; and
Section 4. Organizational Structure. -The Department, aside from the Department

Proper comprising the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries
and Assistant Secretaries and the Services, shall consist of the Bureaus, Regional
Offices, Provincial/City Offices and Municipal/District Offices.
Secretary and the Secretary's immediate staff, and the Public Affairs and Liaison
Service.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by two (2)

Undersecretaries, at least one of whom must belong to the career executive service.
One Undersecretary shall supervise internal operations while the other
Undersecretary shall handle the liaison between the Secretary and the attached
agencies of the Department.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by three (3)
career Assistant Secretaries who shall respectively perform the following functions:
(1) Supervise the Personnel Development Service; Administrative Service and

Financial Service;
(2) Supervise the Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare; Bureau of Women's Welfare;
Bureau of Family Community Welfare; Bureau of Emergency Assistance; and Bureau
of Disable Person's Welfare;
(3) Supervise the Planning and Monitoring Service and the Legal Service, and assist
the Undersecretary and the Secretary in matters pertaining to regional or field
operations.
Section 8. -The Services listed in Section 7 (1) and (3) hereof and the public Affairs
and Liaison SerServices of the Department. vice shall respectively have the following
functions:
(1) The Personnel Development Service shall provide the Department with services
relating to manpower, career planning and development, personnel transactions,
and employee welfare;
(2) The Financial Service shall provide the Department with services relating to
budget, collection, disbursement, and other financial matters;
(3) The Administrative Service shall provide the Department with services relating to
records, correspondence, supplies, property and equipment, security and general
services;
(4) The Planning and Monitoring Service shall provide technical services to the
Department in the areas or overall policy formulation, strategic and operational
planning, management systems or procedures, and the evaluation and monitoring of
Department programs, projects and internal operations;
(5) The Legal Service shall provide the Department with services on legal matters,
especially on proposed legislations;
(6) The Public Affairs and Liaison Service in the Office of the Secretary shall provide
public information services and publications as well as coordinate and mobilize
volunteers, non-governmental organizations and cause-oriented groups in
partnership with the Department.
Each of the Services shall be headed by a Staff Director and may have divisions
whenever necessary for the performance of its functions.
Section 9. Composition. - The Staff bureaus listed in Section 7 (2) hereof shall be
essentially staff in character and as such shall exercise technical supervision over
the Regional Offices; shall be primarily involved in the development of policies and
programs within their respective functional specializations; and shall formulate and
develop related policies, guidelines and standards necessary in guiding the Regional
Offices in the proper implementation of such policies and programs.
Section 10. Functions. - Each of the staff bureaus shall:
(1) Formulate programs, policies, rules, regulations and standards relative to the
implementation of their respective functional specialization;
(2) Initiate and administer pilot or special projects for demonstration of the
corresponding policies, programs, services, strategies, methods, procedures and
guidelines prior to nationwide implementation;
(3) Audit, evaluate, and provide technical assistance and consultative services to
operating units and field offices and local government welfare departments on
(4) Develop standards and assess agencies for licensing and accreditation;
(5) Review applications for regulatory purposes including tax exemptions for foreign
donations;
(6) Provide advisory services to non-governmental agencies implementing programs

and services for welfare and development;
(7) Formulate the substantive content of, and assist in the orientation and training
on, the bureaus' programs, services, strategies, procedures, methods and
guidelines;
(8) Develop indigenous literature and other media materials for clients, volunteers
and other audiences;
(9) Promote and develop a system of networking and coordination with relevant
welfare councils;
(10) Undertake studies and action researches on matters pertaining to client welfare
and development and propose relevant policies and amendments for legislation;
(11) Maintain linkages relative to welfare programs or projects for national, regional
and interregional cooperation.
Section 11. Areas of Specialization. - The substantive/functional areas of

specialization of the staff bureaus shall be:
(1) Bureau of Emergency Assistance - relief and rehabilitation of victims of natural

calamities and social disorganization and of cultural communities and other
distressed and displaced persons;
(2) Bureau of Family and Community Welfare - assistance to socially disadvantaged

families and communities including family planning, planning outreach programs to
develop their capability in defining needs and formulating solutions as well as
setting up viable community structures which bring about desired social changes;
(3) Bureau of the Disabled Person's Welfare - disability prevention and rehabilitation
of the physically, mentally and socially disabled persons;
(4) Bureau of Women's Welfare - promoting women's welfare, with specific attention
to the prevention or eradication of exploitation of women in any form, such as but
not limited to prostitution and illegal recruitment; as well as the promotion of skills
for employment and self-actualization;
(5) Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare - care and protection of abandoned,
neglected, abused or exploited children and youth, delinquents, offenders, the
disturbed, street children, victims of prostitution and others, for their social
adjustment and economic self-sufficiency.
Section 12. Regional Office. - The Department is hereby authorized to establish,

operate and maintain a Regional Office in each of the administrative regions of the
country.
Section 13. Functions. - A Regional Office shall:
(1) Provide within the region efficient and effective services to its constituents; and
for such purposes, establish, operate, promote and support, at the minimum, the
following welfare facilities:
(a) Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education Center for the

Handicapped;
(b) Reception and Study Center;
(c) Rehabilitation Center for Youth Offenders;
(d) Day Care Centers;
(2) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules, and regulations
regarding social welfare and development within the region;
(3) Secure effective coordination with other departments, agencies, institutions and
organizations, especially local government units within the region;
(4) Conduct continuing studies and planning, to improve its services to its
constituents.
Section 14. Welfare Facilities. - The Regional Offices are hereby authorized to
establish, operate and maintain the following, insofar as necessary and authorized
by the Secretary:
(1) Other Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education Centers for the
Handicapped;
(2) "Street Children" Centers;
(3) Centers for Youth with Special Needs;
(4) Other Centers for Youth Offenders;
(5) Homes for the Aged;
(6) Homes for Unwed Mothers;
(7) Drug Abuse Centers;
(8) Other Reception and Study Centers; and
(9) Such other facilities as may be necessary to assist the socially
disadvantaged.
Section 15. Regional Director. - The Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional
Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out its
functions. Toward this end, and in line with the policy of decentralization, the
Regional Director shall be vested with the authority to exercise functional and
administrative supervision over Department provincial operations as delegated by
the Secretary including the authority to contribute resources and personnel to
integrated region and province-wide development thrusts.
The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Regional Directors, one
for programs and one for administration.
CHAPTER 6 - Provincial Offices
Section 16. Provincial/City Office. - The Department is hereby authorized to

establish, operate and maintain Provincial/City Offices throughout the country with
jurisdiction over all municipalities/districts within the province. The Provincial/City
Offices shall have the following functions:
(1) Formulate and coordinate the implementation of operational, field-level

plans/programs of the Department;
(2) Provide specialized services and comprehensive assistance to other

department/agency units whenever necessary;
(3) Secure all pertinent feedback and information from field units as well as
appropriate department/agency units, particularly local government units, and
communicate the same regularly to the Regional Office;
(4) Establish and maintain a vocational rehabilitation and special education program
for the handicapped in the form and magnitude appropriate for the needs of the
province.
Section 17. Provincial/City Welfare Office. - The Provincial/City Office shall be

headed by a Provincial/City Social Welfare Officer who shall be accountable for the
efficient and effective performance of its functions and implementation of programs

of the Department, within the province. The Provincial/City Social Welfare officer
shall exercise functional administrative supervision over field operations of the
Department, including the authority to recommend that field resources and
personnel be contributed to integrated, municipality-wide development efforts.
CHAPTER 7 - Municipal/District Offices
Section 18. Municipal/District Office. - The Department is hereby authorized to

establish, operate and maintain a Municipal/District Office to service a municipality
or city district which shall be headed by the Supervising Social Welfare Officer and
shall be primarily responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of the
Department's field programs in the municipality or city, under the supervision of the
Provincial/City Office.
Section 19. Agencies Under Administrative Supervision and Attached Agencies. - The
Population Commission Council for the Welfare of Children, National Nutrition
Council and the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Person and the agencies
with their respective charters or laws creating them, except as otherwise provided in
this Code.
CHAPTER 9 - Fund Drives
Section 20. Solicitation. - Any person, corporation, organization, or association

desiring to solicit or receive contribution for charitable or public welfare purposes
shall first secure a permit from the Regional Offices of the Department. Upon the
filing of a written application for a permit in the form prescribed by the Regional
Offices of the Department, the Regional Director or his duly authorized
representative may, in his discretion, issue a permanent or temporary permit or
disapprove the application. In the interest of the public, he may in his discretion
renew or revoke any permit issued under Act 4075.
Section 21. Requirements. - The Regional Director of the Department may require
the person, corporation, organization or association duly authorized to solicit
contributions for the above mentioned purposes to submit from time to time a
verified report or information regarding their activities, the period covered by the
report, the collection and expenditures made and the names and addresses of the
contributors and persons to whom assistance was rendered from the funds obtained.
This reports or information shall be open for inspection of the general public. The
Regional Director or his duly authorized representative may, for the protection of the
public, likewise investigate the books, papers, affairs and activities related to the
aforestated purposes of any such person, corporation, organization, or association:
Provided, however, That the provisions of the preceding Section shall not apply to
any organization or institution established for charitable or public welfare purposes
in its campaign for raising funds or soliciting public subscriptions or any means for
collecting funds which has been authorized by Executive Proclamation.
Section 22. Fees. - Upon approval of the application for a solicitation permit, a fee of
Twenty-Five Pesos (P25.00) shall be paid to the cashier of the Department. The
money collected as fee for the issuance of solicitation permits shall accrue to the
Department as aid for the maintenance of its institutions and social services for its
clientele.
CHAPTER 10 - Social Welfare Agencies and Departments
Section 23. Social Welfare Services by Others. - Social welfare services by the
Department shall be without prejudice to similar efforts by any local government
unit or private agency, institution or group. All Department units shall actively
promote and extend maximum assistance, including the provision of counterpart or
supplementary funds and resources, upon approval by the Secretary, to such
efforts.
Section 24. Social Work Agency. -
(1) No social work agency shall operate and be accredited as such unless it is
registered with the Department which shall issue the corresponding certificate of
registration.
(2) Before any social work agency shall be duly registered, the following
requirements must have been complied with:
(a) The applicant must be engaged mainly or generally in social work activity or
social services;
(b) The applicant has employed a sufficient number of duly qualified and registered
social workers to supervise and take charge of its social service functions in
accordance with accepted social work standards;
(c) The applicant must show, in a duly certified financial statement that at least
sixty (60) percent of its funds are disbursed for direct social work services; and
(d) The applicant keeps a social work record of all cases and welfare activities
handled by it.
(3) A certificate of registration may be revoked if after due investigation, the

Department finds that the social work agency has failed to perform its function or
has violated existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 25. Child Welfare Agency. - (1) No person, natural or juridical, shall
establish any child welfare agency without first securing a license from the
Department. Such license shall not be transferable and shall be used only by the
person or institution to which it was issued at the place stated therein. No license
shall be granted unless the purpose or function of the agency is clearly defined and
stated in writing. Such definition shall include the geographical area to be served,
the children to be accepted for care, and the services to be provided.
If the applicant is a juridical person, it must be registered in accordance with

Philippine laws.
(2) The work of all registered and licensed child welfare agencies shall be supervised
and coordinated by the Department.
(3) The Department may, after notice and hearing, suspend or revoke the license of
a child welfare agency on any of the following grounds:
(a) That the agency is being used for immoral purposes;

(b) That agency is insolvent or is not in a financial position to support and maintain
the children therein or to perform the functions for which it was granted;
(c) That the children therein are being neglected or are undernourished;
(d) That the place is so unsanitary as to make it unfit for children;
(e) That said agency is located in a place or community where children should not
be, or is physically dangerous to children or would unduly expose children to crime,
vice, immorality, corruption or severe cruelty; or
(f) That said agency has by any act or commission shown its incompetence or
unworthiness to continue acting as a child welfare agency. During the period of
suspension, the agency concerned shall not accept or admit any additional children.
In any case, the Department shall make such order as to the custody of the children
under the care of such agency as the circumstances may warrant. The suspension
may last for as long as the agency has not complied with any order of the
Department to remove or remedy the conditions which have given rise to the
suspension. The aggrieved agency may appeal the suspension or revocation in a
proper court action. In such a case, the court shall within fifteen (15) days from the
filing of the Department's answer, conduct a hearing and decide the case, either by
lifting the suspension, or continuing it for such period of time as it may order, or by
revoking the license of the agency where the Department has proven the revocation
to be justified.
Section 26. Foster Homes. - No foster home, day care center and other substitute
parental arrangement shall operate unless it is first registered with and licensed by
the Department.
Title XVII - BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The national budget shall be formulated and

implemented as an instrument of national development, reflective of national
objectives and plans; supportive of and consistent with the socio-economic
development plans and oriented towards the achievement of explicit objectives and
expected results, to ensure that the utilization of funds and operations of
government entities are conducted effectively; formulated within the context of a
regionalized governmental structure and within the totality of revenues and other
receipts, expenditures and borrowings of all levels of government and of
government-owned or controlled corporations; and prepared within the context of
the national long-term plans and budget programs of the Government.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall be responsible for the formulation and
implementation of the National Budget with the goal of attaining our national socio-
economic plans and objectives.
The Department shall be responsible for the efficient and sound utilization of
government funds and revenues to effectively achieve our country's development
objectives.
Section 3. Powers and Functions. - The Department of Budget and Management

shall assist the President in the preparation of a national resources and expenditures
budget, preparation, execution and control of the National Budget, preparation and
maintenance of accounting systems essential to the budgetary process,
achievement of more economy and efficiency in the management of government
operations, administration of compensation and position classification systems,
assessment of organizational effectiveness and review and evaluation of legislative
proposals having budgetary or organizational implications.
Section 4. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall consist of his
immediate staff, the Budget Control Staff, Research Staff, a Regional Coordination
Staff for Luzon, and a Regional Coordination Staff for Visayas and Mindanao.

Undersecretaries, who shall all be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary. They shall exercise supervision over the offices,
services, operating units and individuals under their authority and responsibility.
Section 6. Assistant Secretaries. - There shall be five (5) Assistant Secretaries, each
of whom shall assist the Secretary and the Undersecretaries in the formulation,
determination and implementation of laws, policies, plans, programs and projects on
budget and management and shall oversee the day-to-day administration of the
constituent units of the Department.
Section 7. Management Services Office. - The Management Services Office shall

consist of the following bureaus:
(1) The Systems and Procedures Bureau which shall review and design the
management reporting systems, review and evaluate the applicability and
economics of computerization, purchasing/inventory systems, formulate measures
on internal controls to ensure accuracy, integrity and reliability of records systems,
and develop a system of controls for capital operational and cash budgeting;
(2) The Organization and Productivity Improvement Bureau which shall develop
performance standards as bases for agency budgeting and performance evaluation,
conduct studies on work simplification and methods improvement, review the
equipment procurement programs of agencies, and prepare operations manuals and
conduct continuing studies on organizational changes of government agencies;
(3) The Compensation and Position Classification Bureau which shall classify
positions and determine appropriate salaries for specific position classes and review
the compensation benefits programs of agencies and shall design job evaluation
programs.
Section 8. The Legislative, Administrative and Procurement Services Office. - The

Legislative, Administrative, Procurement and Services Office shall consist of:
(1) The Legislative Services which shall provide legal advice and service to the
Department Officers and employees, review legislative proposals and provide

clarificatory opinions on budget laws.
(2) The Administrative Services which shall provide the services relative to
personnel, records management, allocation of property and supplies, and shall
perform security and custodial functions.
(3) The Procurement Services which shall implement an integrated programs for the
procurement of supplies and materials for the Department.
Section 9. The Financial and Computer Services. - The Financial and Computer
Services shall consist of:
(1) The Financial Services which shall provide services relative to cash management,
budgetary and financial matters.
(2) The Data Processing Service which shall provide computer services, prepare and
generate management reports, maintain and operate computer-based monitoring
systems.
CHAPTER 4 - Bureaus
Section 10. The Budget Operations Office. - The Budget Operations Office shall
review and analyze the work and financial flows, the budgetary proposals of national
and local government agencies and corporations, check each agency's compliance
with the budgetary policies and project priorities, determine the budgetary
implications of foreign assisted projects from the time of project design to the
negotiation for financial assistance, prepare recommendations for fund releases,
formulate and implement fiscal policies and plans for budget preparation and
control, and conduct studies on economic trends and factors affecting government
revenues, expenditures and borrowings. It shall consist of the following Bureaus:
(1) National Government Budget Bureaus A and B which shall evaluate and review
the budgetary proposals, work and financial flows of the national government and
ensure its compliance with budgetary policies and project priorities of the bureaus
assigned to each group.
(2) Local Government Budget Bureau which shall recommend and effect the release
of National Assistance for Local Government (NALGU) funds and those for
autonomous regions based on approved work and financial plans as limited by the
Secretary.
(3) Government Corporation Budget Bureau which shall evaluate and analyze the
budgetary proposals, plans and financial flows of government corporations and
agencies and ensure its compliance with budgetary policies and project priorities;
(4) Budget Planning Bureau which shall assist the Secretary in the preparation and
management of fiscal policies and plans for budget coordination, conduct studies on
economic trends and factors affecting government revenues, expenditures and
borrowings, and shall collaborate with the Office of the President, Department of
Finance, Central Bank, National Economic and Development Authority, and other
agencies in the formulation of financial plans.
(5) Foreign Assisted Projects Bureau which shall review and evaluate foreign
assisted projects to determine the annual funding requirements of certain projects
identified by implementing agencies and supported by foreign funding; assist the
Secretary in determining the budgetary implications of foreign assisted projects
from the time of project design to negotiations for financial assistance; ensure the
concurrence of the Secretary of Budget on all loan agreements; evaluate the work-
financial plan of projects chargeable against the Foreign Assistance Projects (FAPS)
support fund; and recommend and effect the releases from such fund based on the
approved work financial plans as may be directed by the Secretary.
Section 11. National Accounting and Finance Office. - The National Accounting and
Finance Office shall take charge of the maintenance of the data bank of financial
information and shall provide the necessary data required by the President, fiscal
agencies and international financial institutions, analyze and evaluate the accounts
and overall financial performance of the government, and supervise the
management of the accounts of government agencies and instrumentalities. It shall
consist of the following Bureaus:
(1) National Government Account and Finance Bureau;

(2) Local Government Accounting and Finance Bureau; and
(3) Government Corporate Accounting and Finance Bureau.
Section 12. Regional Offices. - The Regional Offices shall implement the policies,
programs, standards and guidelines on budget administration and management in
the regions.
Title XVIII - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall:
(1) Support and encourage local scientific and technological efforts that address
national and local problems and positively contribute to national development;
(2) Promote the development of local capability in science and technology to achieve
technological self-reliance in selected areas that are vital to national development;
(3) Support and encourage public and private sector partnership aimed at
accelerating self-reliance in the selected areas; and
(4) Encourage and support private sector initiatives in science and technology and
provide the necessary incentives and assistance to enable the private sector to take
increasing responsibility and a greater role in the country's research and
development efforts.
Section 2. Mandate. - The Department shall provide central direction, leadership and
coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results
therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits
for the people.
The Department shall formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and
projects for the development of science and technology and for the promotion of
scientific and technological activities for both the public and private sectors and
ensure that the results of scientific and technological activities are properly applied
and utilized to accelerate economic and social development.
The Department shall continually review the state and needs of science and
technology in the context of the country's developmental goals.

shall:
(1) Formulate and adopt a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan
including specific goals, policies, plans, programs and projects based on the
recommendation of the Inter-Council Review Board and, upon approval by the
President, monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation by all government
agencies and instrumentalities;
(2) Promote, assist and where appropriate, undertake scientific and technological
research and development in those areas which are determined to be vital to the
country's development and offer optimum returns for the resources employed;
(3) Promote the development of indigenous technology and adaptation and

innovation of suitable imported technology and in this regard, undertake technology
development up to the commercial state, preferably in joint venture with the private
sector or with public agencies;
(4) Undertake design and engineering work to complement its research and
development functions;
(5) Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake the transfer of the results of
scientific and technological research and development, to their end-users;
(6) Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake technological services needed
by agriculture, industry, transport and the general public;
(7) Develop and maintain an information system and data-bank on science and
technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
(8) Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs for
strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in the relevant discipline
through manpower training, and through infrastructure and institution building and
rationalization, in both the public and private sectors;
(9) Promote public consciousness of science and technology;
(10) Undertake policy research, technology assessment studies, feasibility studies

and technical studies; and
Section 4. Structural Organization. - The Department shall consist of the Office of

the Secretary, Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Services, Inter-

Council Review Board, Sectoral planning Councils, Institutes and Regional Offices.
The Secretary shall have supervision and control of the Department except the
Inter-Council Review Board and the Sectoral Planning Councils over which he shall
only exercise administrative supervision.
Section 6. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by three (3)

Undersecretaries, one for research and development, one for regional operations
and one for scientific and technical services. The Undersecretaries shall have
supervision over the Institutes under their respective functional areas of
responsibility.
Section 7. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by three (3)
Assistant Secretaries.
CHAPTER 3 - Services
Section 8. Services. - The Services of the Department shall consist of the following:
(1) Planning and Evaluation Service, which shall be responsible for providing the
Department with efficient and effective services relating to planning, programs and
project monitoring and development;
(2) Financial and Management Service, which shall be responsible for providing the
Department with efficient and effective staff advice and assistance on budgetary,
financial, and management improvement matters;
(3) Administrative and Legal Service, which shall be responsible for providing the
Department with efficient and effective services relating to personnel, information,
records, supplies, equipment collections, disbursement, security and custodial work,
and all legal matters.
CHAPTER 4 - Board, Councils and Institutes
Section 9. Inter-Council Review Board. - There shall be an Inter-Council Review

Board, composed of the Secretaries or their designated Undersecretaries who are
members of the sectoral planning councils under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and
15, and shall be chaired by the Secretary of Science and Technology.
The main function of the Board shall be to review the plans of the sectoral planning
councils and the National Science and Technology Plan and, in connection therewith,
shall be assisted by the Planning and Evaluation Service.
Section 10. Sectoral Planning Councils. - There shall be five (5) sectoral planning
councils as follows:
(1) Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development, for
industry and energy and mineral resources;
(2) Philippine Council for Health Research and Development for health;
(3) Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
Development, for agriculture and forestry resources;
(4) Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, for aquatic
and marine resources; and
(5) Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and
Development, for advanced science and technology.
Each of the councils shall be responsible, in its respective sector, for the formulation
of strategies, policies, plans, programs and projects for science and technology
development; for programming and allocation of government and external funds for
research and development; for monitoring of research and development projects;
and for the generation of external funds.
Each council shall have a secretariat which shall be headed by an Executive Director
who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
Section 11. Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development. -
The Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development shall be
under the administrative supervision of the Department, and shall consist of the
Secretary as Chairman and eight (8) members, as follows: Secretary of Trade and
Industry, Secretary of Transportation and Communications, Secretary of Public
Works and Highways or their designated Undersecretaries, and Executive Director of
the Council Secretariat, and four (4) representatives of the private sector in the field
of industry and energy, who are chief executive officers of their respective
companies in the field of industry or energy or are acknowledged leaders in their
professions to be appointed by the President, in their personal capacity, upon
recommendation of the Secretary, each of whom shall be for a term of two (2)
years; Provided, however, that the tenure of the members first appointed by the
President shall be as follows: two (2) for one (1) year and two (2) for two (2) years,
as fixed in their respective appointments. The members shall serve and continue to
hold office until their respective successors shall have been duly appointed and
qualified. Appointment to any vacancy in the Council shall be by the President and
shall only be for the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor.
Section 12. Philippine Council for Agriculture and Forestry Research and
Development. - The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Forestry Research and
Development shall be under the administrative supervision of the Department, and
shall consist of the Secretary as Chairman and eight (8) members, as follows:
Secretary of Agriculture and Food, Secretary of Natural Resources or their
designated Undersecretaries, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines at Los
Baños, Administrator of the National Food Authority and Executive Director of the
Council Secretariat and three (3) representatives of the private sector in the fields of
agriculture or forestry, who are chief executive officers of their respective companies
in the field of agriculture or forestry or are acknowledged leaders in their professions
to be appointed by the President, in their personal capacity, upon recommendation
of the Secretary, each of whom shall be for a term of two (2) years; Provided,
however, that the tenure of the members first appointed by the President shall be as
follows: one (1) for one (1) year and two (2) for two (2) years, as fixed in their
respective appointments. The members shall serve and continue to hold office until
their successors shall have been duly appointed and qualified. Appointment to any
vacancy in the Council shall be by the President and shall only be for the unexpired
portion of the term of the predecessor.
Section 13. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. - The
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development shall be under the
administrative supervision of the Department, and shall consist of the Secretary as
Chairman and eight (8) members, as follows: Secretary of Health or his designated
Undersecretary, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines of Manila, Executive
Director of the National Nutrition Council, Executive Director of the Council
Secretariat, and four (4) representatives of the private sector in the field of health,
who are chief executive officers of their respective companies in the field of health
or are acknowledged leaders in their professions to be appointed by the President, in
their personal capacity, upon recommendation of the Secretary, each of whom shall
be for a term of two (2) years; however, that the tenure of the members first
appointed by the President shall be as follows: two (2) for one (1) year and two (2)
for two (2) years, as fixed in their respective appointments. The members shall
serve and continue to hold office until their successors shall have been duly
appointed and qualified. Appointment to any vacancy in the Council shall be by the
President and shall only be for the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor.
Section 14. Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. -
The Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development shall be
under the administrative supervision of the Department, and shall consist of the
Secretary as Chairman, and eight (8) members as follows: Secretary of Agriculture
and Food, Secretary of Natural Resources or their designated Undersecretaries,
Executive Director of the Council Secretariat, two (2) representatives from the
academic/research institution and three (3) representatives from the private sector
who are chief executive officers of their respective companies in the field of
aquaculture or marine research or development or are acknowledged leaders of
their professions to be appointed by the President, in their personal capacity, upon
recommendation of the Secretary, each of whom shall be for a term of two (2)
years; Provided, however, that the terms of the members first appointed by the
President shall be as follows: two (2) for one (1) year and the other three (3) for
two (2) years, as fixed in their respective appointments. The members shall serve
and continue to hold office until their successors shall have been duly appointed and
qualified. Appointment to any vacancy in the Council shall be by the President and
shall only be for the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor.
Section 15. Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and
Development. - The Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology
Research and Development shall be under the Administrative supervision of the
Department and shall consist of the Secretary as Chairman and eight (8) members,
as follows: Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports or his designated
Undersecretary, President of the University of the Philippines System, two (2)
representatives from the government sector, and four (4) representatives from the
private sector in the field of advanced science research, all of whom shall be
appointed by the President, in their personal capacity, upon recommendation of the
Secretary, each of whom shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
Section 16. Institutes. - The Institutes of the Department are the following, which
shall be line in character: Industrial Technology Development Institute; Philippine
Nuclear Research Institute; Food and Nutrition Research Institute; Forest Products
Research and Development Institute; Philippine Textile Research Institute; Advanced
Science and Technology Institute; Science Education Institute; Science and
Technology Information Institute; and Technology Application Promotion Institute;
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Each Institute shall be headed by
a Director, who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the
Secretary and shall be assisted by one or more Deputy Directors as may be
necessary.
Section 17. Industrial Technology Development Institute. - The Industrial

Technology Development Institute shall have the following functions:
(1) Undertake applied research and development to develop technologies and

technological innovations in the field of industrial manufacturing, mineral processing
and energy;
(2) Undertake the transfer of research results directly to end-users or preferably via
linkage units of other government agencies;
(3) Undertake technical services, such as but not limited to, standards, analytical
and calibration services mandated by law or as needed by industry; and
(4) Conduct training and provide technical advisory and consultancy services to
industry clientele and end-users.
Section 18. Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. - The Philippine Nuclear Research
Institute shall have the following functions:
(1) Conduct research and development on the application of radiation and nuclear
materials, processes and techniques in agriculture, food, health, nutrition and
medicine and in industrial or commercial enterprises;
(2) Undertake the transfer of research reactors and other radiation facilities; and
(3) License and regulate activities relative to production, transfer, and utilization of
nuclear and radioactive substances.
Section 19. Food Nutrition Research Institute. - The Food Nutrition Research
(1) Undertake research that defines the citizenry's nutritional status, with reference
particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects, and identify
alternative solutions to them;
(2) Develop and recommend policy options, strategies, programs and projects,
which address the malnutrition problem for implementation by the appropriate
agencies; and
(3) Disseminate research findings and recommendations to the relevant end-users.

Section 20. Forest Products Research and Development Institute. - The Forest
Products Research and Development Institute shall have the following functions:
(1) Conduct applied research and development in secondary and tertiary processing
for the forest-based industry to generate information and technology which can
improve the utility value of wood and other forest products;
(2) Undertake the transfer or completed researches directly to the end-users or via
linkage units of other government agencies;
(3) Undertake technical services and provide training programs.
Section 21. Philippine Textile Research Institute. - The Philippine Textile Research
(1) Conduct applied research and development for the textile industry sector;
(2) Undertake the transfer of completed researches to end-users or via linkage units
for other government agencies; and
(3) Undertake technical services and provide training programs.
Section 22. Advanced Science and Technology Institute. - The Advanced Science
and Technology Institute shall have the following functions:
(1) Undertake long-term researches to strengthen and modernize science and

technology infrastructure;
(2) Conduct research and development work in the advanced fields of studies
including biotechnology and microelectronics; and
(3) Complement the overall endeavor in the scientific field with intensive activities in
the computer and information technologies.
Section 23. Science Education Institute. - The Science Education Institute shall have
(1) Undertake science education and training;

(2) Administer scholarships, awards and grants;
(3) Undertake science and technology manpower development; and
(4) Formulate plans and establish programs and projects for the promotion
and development of science and technology education and training in
coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and other
institutions of learning in the field of science and technology.
Section 24. Science and Technology Information Institute. - The Science and
Technology Information Institute shall have the following functions:
(1) Establish a science and technology databank and library;

(2) Disseminate science and technology information; and
(3) Undertake training on science and technology information.
Section 25. Technology Application and Promotion Institute. - The Technology

Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) whose primary responsibility is to serve
as the implementing arm of the Department in promoting the commercialization of
technologies and in marketing the services of the other operating units in the
Department shall have the following functions:
(1) Undertake contract research, particularly at the pilot plant and semi-commercial
stage;
(2) Provide technical consultancy including engineering design services, patenting

and licensing services; and
(3) Provide grants and/or venture-financing for new and/or emerging projects.
Section 26. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration. - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration shall have the following functions:
(1) Maintain a nationwide network pertaining to observation and forecasting of

weather and other climatological conditions affecting national safety, welfare and
economy;
(2) Undertake activities relative to observation, collection, assessment and

processing of atmospheric and allied data for the benefit of agriculture, commerce
and industry;
(3) Engage in studies of geophysical and astronomical phenomena essential to the

safety and welfare of the people;
(4) Undertake researches on the structure, development and motion of typhoons

and formulate measures for their moderation; and
(5) Maintain effective linkages with scientific organizations here and abroad, and
promote exchange of scientific information and cooperation among personnel
engaged in atmospheric, geophysical and astronomical studies.
Section 27. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. - The Philippine

Institute of Volcanology and Seismology shall have the following functions:
(1) Predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and their
geotectonic phenomena;
(2) Determine how eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and the likely areas
to be affected;
(3) Exploit the positive aspects of volcanoes and volcanic terrain in furtherance
of the socio-economic development efforts of the government;
(4) Generate sufficient data for forecasting volcanic eruptions and
earthquakes;
(5) Formulate appropriate disaster-preparedness plans; and
(6) Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection,
forecast, and warning systems.
Section 28. Regional Offices. - The Department is authorized to establish, operate

and maintain a Regional Office, whenever appropriate, in each of the administrative
regions of the country, to be headed by a Regional Director who shall report and be
subject to the supervision of, the Undersecretary for Regional Operations. A Regional
Office shall have, within its administrative region, the following functions:
(1) Implement laws, rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects of the
Department;
the administrative region;
Section 29. Department Offices in Other Countries. - The Department may also have
such offices and representatives in other countries in places where its presence is
considered necessary, subject to the approval of the President for each of them.
Section 30. Attached Agencies. - The following agencies shall be attached to the
Department: the Philippine National Science Society, the National Academy of
Science and Technology, the Philippine Science High School, and the Metals Industry
Research and Development Center.
Section 31. The Philippine National Science Society. - The Philippine National
Science Society shall be a corporate body composed of prominent scientists and
technical men and shall have the following functions:
(1) To stimulate research in the mathematical, physical, biological and other basic
sciences and in the application of these sciences to engineering, agriculture,
medicine, and other useful arts, with the object of increasing knowledge and of
contributing in other ways to the public welfare;
(2) To give encouragement to individual initiative in research as fundamentally

important to the advancement of science; and
(3) To gather and collate scientific and technical information at home and abroad, in
cooperation with governmental and other agencies and to render such information
available to duly accredited persons.
Section 32. Powers of the Philippine National Science Society. - The Philippine
National Science Society shall have the power to:
(1) Make its own organization, including its Constitution, by-laws and rules and
regulations;
(2) Fill all vacancies created by death, resignation or otherwise;
(3) Provide for the election of members, division into classes, and for all other
matters needful or usual in such institution;
(4) Receive bequests and donations and hold the same in trust, to be applied in aid
of scientific investigations according to the will of the donors;
(5) Be exempt from the payment of all internal-revenue taxes, fees, assessments
and other charges of the Government in carrying out its aims, functions, and
powers;
(6) Submit an annual report to the Congress and to the President of the Philippines
an accurate account of its work and activities during the corresponding fiscal year;
and
(7) Perform such powers as may be provided by law or necessary to carry out its
purposes and functions.
Section 33. The National Academy of Science and Technology. - The National
Academy of Science and Technology shall be composed of outstanding scientists to
serve as reservoir of competent and technological manpower for the country. The
total membership of the Academy shall not exceed fifty (50) at any one time;
however, this number may be increased by a two-thirds vote of all the members and
approval thereof by the President.
The Academy shall have its own Secretariat/Administrative staff and shall have the
following functions; and powers:
(1) Provide its members the following benefits and privileges:

(a) free publications of scientific and technological works:
(b) travel support for attendance and participation in international conference;
and
(c) such other incentives, financial or otherwise designed to promote a
scientific and technological effort and achievement.
(2) Recommend annually for Presidential awards not more than ten (10) scientists
for distinguished individual or collaborative achievement in science or technology
who shall be accorded by the President the rank and title of "National Scientists."
Said "National Scientists" shall each be given gratuity in such amount to be fixed by
the Academy and entitled to other privileges as enjoyed by the National Artists.
(3) Engage in other projects and programs designed to recognize outstanding

achievements in science to promote scientific productivity.
Section 34. The Philippine Science High School. - The Philippine Science High School
shall offer on a free scholarship basis a secondary course with special emphasis on
subject pertaining to the sciences with the end view of preparing its students for a
science career. The exercise of its corporate powers is vested exclusively in the
Board of Trustees and in the Director of the High School insofar as authorized by
said Board. The Board of Trustees shall be composed of the Secretary of Science and
Technology, who shall be ex officio Chairman of the Board, the Secretary of

Education, who shall be ex officio Vice-Chairman, and the following members: the
President of the University of the Philippines, the Chairman of the UNESCO National
Commission of the Philippines, the Director of the Philippine Science High School, all
ex officio members, a representative from the American-Philippine Science
Foundation, Inc., to be designated by the President, one representative from the
Philippine National Science Society, one representative from the National Academy
of Science and Technology, one member representing industry, and one member
representing agriculture.
The members of the Board representing the Philippine National Science Society, the
National Academy of Science and Technology, Industry and Agriculture shall be
appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the
Secretary of Science and Technology.
Section 35. The Metal Industry and Research Development Center. - The Metals
Industry and Research Development Center shall be non profit research and
technological institution which shall provide both the government and the private
sector with professional management and technical expertise on such vital activities
for the development of the industry as training of engineers and technicians,
information exchange, trade accreditation service, quality control and testing of
metal products, research and business economic advisory services.
The Administration of the Center and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested
exclusively in the Board of Trustees which shall be composed of the Secretary of
Science and Technology, who shall be ex officio Chairman, the Secretary of Trade
and Industry, who shall be ex officio Co-Chairman, and the following members: the
Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and
Development, a representative each from the Department of Natural Resources, the
National Economic and Development Authority, the Metal Industry Research and
Development Center and three representatives from the metals, engineering and
allied industries sub-sector to be appointed by the Secretary of Science and
Technology.
The Center shall have the powers and functions assigned to it by law.
BOOK V
Title I - CONSITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS
Subtitle A - Civil Service Commission
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall insure and promote the
Constitutional mandate that appointments in the Civil Service shall be made only
according to merit and fitness; that the Civil Service Commission, as the central
personnel agency of the Government shall establish a career service, adopt
measures to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, and courtesy in
the civil service, strengthen the merit and rewards system, integrate all human
resources development programs for all levels and ranks, and institutionalize a
management climate conducive to public accountability; that public office is a public
trust and public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the
people; and that personnel functions shall be decentralized, delegating the

corresponding authority to the departments, offices and agencies where such
functions can be effectively performed.
Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of Public Officers and Employees. - Public

Officers and employees shall have the duties, responsibilities, and accountability
provided in Chapter 9, Book I of this Code.
Section 3. Terms and Conditions of Employment. - The terms and conditions of

employment of all government employees, including those in government-owned or
controlled corporations with original charters, shall be fixed by law. The terms and
conditions of employment which are not fixed by law may be the subject of
negotiation between duly recognized employees' organizations and appropriate
government authorities.
Section 4. Compensation. - The Congress shall provide for the standardization of

compensation of government officials and employees including those in government-
owned or controlled corporations with original charters, taking into account the
nature of the responsibilities pertaining to, and the qualifications required for the
position concerned.
Section 5. Definitions of Terms. - As used in this title, the following shall be

construed thus:
(1) Agency means any bureau, office, commission, administration, board,

committee, institute, corporation with original charter, whether performing
governmental or proprietary function, or any other unit of the National Government,
as well as provincial, city or municipal government, except as hereinafter otherwise
provided.
(2) Appointing officer is the person or body authorized by law to make appointments
in the Philippine Civil Service.
(3) Class includes all positions in the government service that are sufficiently similar
as to duties and responsibilities and require similar qualifications that can be given
the same title and salary and for all administrative and compensation purposes, be
treated alike.
(4) Commission refers to the Civil Service Commission.
(5) Chairman refers to the Chairman of the Commission.
(6) Commissioner refers to either of the two other members of the Commission.
(7) Department includes any of the executive departments or entities having the
category of a department including the judiciary, Commission on Elections and
Commission on Audit.
(8) Eligible refers to a person who obtains a passing grade in a civil service
examination or is granted a civil service eligibility and whose name is entered in the
register of eligibles.
(9) Examination refers to a civil service examination conducted by the Commission

and its regional offices or by other departments or agencies with the assistance of
the Commission, or in coordination or jointly with it, and those that it may delegate
to departments and agencies pursuant to this Title, or those that may have been
delegated by law.
(10) Form refers to those prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.
CHAPTER 2 - Coverage of the Civil Service
Section 6. Scope of the Civil Service. - (1) The Civil Service embraces all branches,
subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the Government, including
government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters.
(2) Positions in the Civil Service shall be classified into career service and non-
career service.
Section 7. Career Service. - The Career Service shall be characterized by (1)

entrance based on merit and fitness to be determined as far as practicable by
competitive examination, or based on highly technical qualifications; (2) opportunity
for advancement to higher career positions; and (3) security of tenure.
The Career Service shall include:
(1) Open Career positions for appointment to which prior qualification in an

appropriate examination is required;
(2) Closed Career positions which are scientific, or highly technical in nature; these
include the faculty and academic staff of state colleges and universities, and
scientific and technical positions in scientific or research institutions which shall
establish and maintain their own merit systems;
(3) Positions in the Career Executive Service; namely, Undersecretary, Assistant

Secretary, Bureau Director, Assistant Bureau Director, Regional Director, Assistant
Regional Director, Chief of Department Service and other officers of equivalent rank
as may be identified by the Career Executive Service Board, all of whom are
appointed by the President;
(4) Career officers, other than those in the Career Executive Service, who are
appointed by the President, such as the Foreign Service Officers in the Department
of Foreign Affairs;
(5) Commissioned officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces which shall
maintain a separate merit system;
(6) Personnel of government-owned or controlled corporations, whether performing

governmental or proprietary functions, who do not fall under the non-career service;
and
(7) Permanent laborers, whether skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled.
Section 8. Classes of Positions in the Career Service. - (1) Classes of positions in the
career service appointment to which requires examinations shall be grouped into

three major levels as follows:
(a) The first level shall include clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial service positions
which involve non-professional or subprofessional work in a non-supervisory or
supervisory capacity requiring less than four years of collegiate studies;
(b) The second level shall include professional, technical, and scientific positions
which involve professional, technical, or scientific work in a non-supervisory or
supervisory capacity requiring at least four years of college work up to Division Chief
level; and
(c) The third level shall cover positions in the Career Executive Service.
(2) Except as herein otherwise provided, entrance to the first two levels shall be
through competitive examinations, which shall be open to those inside and outside
the service who meet the minimum qualification requirements. Entrance to a higher
level does not require previous qualification in the lower level. Entrance to the third
level shall be prescribed by the Career Executive Service Board.
(3) Within the same level, no civil service examination shall be required for
promotion to a higher position in one or more related occupation groups. A
candidate for promotion should, however, have previously passed the examination
for that level.
Section 9. Non-Career Service. - The Non-Career Service shall be characterized by

(1) entrance on bases other than those of the usual tests of merit and fitness
utilized for the career service; and (2) tenure which is limited to a period specified
by law, or which is coterminous with that of the appointing authority or subject to
his pleasure, or which is limited to the duration of a particular project for which
purpose employment was made.
The Non-Career Service shall include:
(1) Elective officials and their personal or confidential staff;
(2) Secretaries and other officials of Cabinet rank who hold their positions at the
pleasure of the President and their personal or confidential staff(s);
(3) Chairman and members of commissions and boards with fixed terms of office
and their personal or confidential staff;
(4) Contractual personnel or those whose employment in the government is in
accordance with a special contract to undertake a specific work or job, requiring
special or technical skills not available in the employing agency, to be accomplished
within a specific period, which in no case shall exceed one year, and performs or
accomplishes the specific work or job, under his own responsibility with a minimum
of direction and supervision from the hiring agency; and
(5) Emergency and seasonal personnel.
CHAPTER 3 - Organixation and Functions of the Civil Service Commission
Section 10. Composition. - The Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and

two Commissioners who shall be natural born citizens of the Philippines and, at the
time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age, with proven capacity for
public administration, and must not have been candidates for any elective position
in the elections immediately preceding their appointment.
Section 11. Appointment of Chairman and Commissioners. - The Chairman and the
Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the
Commission on Appointments for a term of seven years without reappointment. Of
the first appointed, the Chairman shall hold office for seven years, a Commissioner
for five years, and another Commissioner for three years, without reappointment.
Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting
capacity.
Section 12. Powers and Functions. - The Commission shall have the following
powers and functions:
(1) Administer and enforce the constitutional and statutory provisions on the merit
system for all levels and ranks in the Civil Service;
(2) Prescribe, amend and enforce rules and regulations for carrying into effect the
provisions of the Civil Service Law and other pertinent laws;
(3) Promulgate policies, standards and guidelines for the Civil Service and adopt
plans and programs to promote economical, efficient and effective personnel
administration in the government;
(4) Formulate policies and regulations for the administration, maintenance and
implementation of position classification and compensation and set standards for the
establishment, allocation and reallocation of pay scales, classes and positions;
(5) Render opinion and rulings on all personnel and other Civil Service matters
which shall be binding on all heads of departments, offices and agencies and which
may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari;
(6) Appoint and discipline its officials and employees in accordance with law and
exercise control and supervision over the activities of the Commission;
(7) Control, supervise and coordinate Civil Service examinations. Any entity or
official in government may be called upon by the Commission to assist in the
preparation and conduct of said examinations including security, use of buildings
and facilities as well as personnel and transportation of examination materials which
shall be exempt from inspection regulations;
(8) Prescribe all forms for Civil Service examinations, appointments, reports and
such other forms as may be required by law, rules and regulations:
(9) Declare positions in the Civil Service as may properly be primarily confidential,
highly technical or policy determining;
(10) Formulate, administer and evaluate programs relative to the development and
retention of qualified and competent work force in the public service;
(11) Hear and decide administrative cases instituted by or brought before it directly
or on appeal, including contested appointments, and review decisions and actions of
its offices and of the agencies attached to it. Officials and employees who fail to
comply with such decisions, orders, or rulings shall be liable for contempt of the
Commission. Its decisions, orders, or rulings shall be final and executory. Such
decisions, orders, or rulings may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari by
the aggrieved party within thirty (30) days from receipt of a copy thereof;
(12) Issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum for the production of documents
and records pertinent to investigation and inquiries conducted by it in accordance
with its authority conferred by the Constitution and pertinent laws;
(13) Advise the President on all matters involving personnel management in the
government service and submit to the President an annual report on the personnel
programs;
(14) Take appropriate action on all appointments and other personnel matters in the
Civil Service including extension of Service beyond retirement age;
(15) Inspect and audit the personnel actions and programs of the departments,
agencies, bureaus, offices, local government units and other instrumentalities of the
government including government-owned or controlled corporations; conduct
periodic review of the decisions and actions of offices or officials to whom authority
has been delegated by the Commission as well as the conduct of the officials and
the employees in these offices and apply appropriate sanctions when necessary;
(16) Delegate authority for the performance of any function to departments,

agencies and offices where such functions may be effectively performed;
(17) Administer the retirement program for government officials and employees,
and accredit government services and evaluate qualifications for retirement;
(18) Keep and maintain personnel records of all officials and employees in the Civil
Service; and
(19) Perform all functions properly belonging to a central personnel agency and such
other functions as may be provided by law.
Section 13. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chairman. - Subject to policies and
rules adopted by the Commission, the Chairman shall:
(1) Direct all operations of the Commission;

(2) Establish procedures for the effective operations of the Commission;
(3) Transmit to the President rules and regulations, and other guidelines
adopted by the Chairman which require Presidential attention including annual
and other periodic reports;
(4) Issue appointments to, and enforce decisions on administrative discipline
involving officials and employees of the Commission;
(5) Delegate authority for the performance of any function to officials and
employees of the Commission;
(6) Approve and submit the annual and supplemental budget of the
Commission; and
Section 14. Membership of the Chairman in Boards. - The Chairman shall be a

member of the Board of Directors or of other governing bodies of government
entities whose functions affect the career development, employment status, rights,
privileges, and welfare of government officials and employees, such as the
Government Service Insurance System, Foreign Service Board, Foreign Trade
Service Board, National Board for Teachers, and such other similar boards as may
be created by law.
Section 15. Duties and Responsibilities of the Members of the Commission. - Jointly
with the Chairman, the two (2) Commissioners shall be responsible for the effective
exercise of the rule-making and adjudicative functions of the Commission. They
shall likewise perform such functions as may be delegated by the Commission. In
case of the absence of the Chairman owing to illness or other cause, the senior
member shall perform the functions of the Chairman.
Section 16. Offices in the Commission. - The Commission shall have the following
offices:
(1) The Office of the Executive Director headed by an Executive Director, with a
Deputy Executive Director shall implement policies, standards, rules and regulations
promulgated by the Commission; coordinate the programs of the offices of the
Commission and render periodic reports on their operations, and perform such other
functions as may be assigned by the Commission.
(2) The Merit System Protection Board composed of a Chairman and two (2)
members shall have the following functions:
(a) Hear and decide on appeal administrative cases involving officials and employees
of the Civil Service. Its decision shall be final except those involving dismissal or
separation from the service which may be appealed to the Commission;
(b) Hear and decide cases brought before it on appeal by officials and employees
who feel aggrieved by the determination of appointing authorities involving
personnel actions and violations of the merit system. The decision of the Board shall
be final except those involving division chiefs or officials of higher ranks which may
be appealed to the Commission;
(c) Directly take cognizance of complaints affecting functions of the Commission,

those which are unacted upon by the agencies, and such other complaints which
require direct action of the Board in the interest of justice;
(d) Administer oaths, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum, take testimony in
any investigation or inquiry, punish for contempt in accordance with the same
procedures and penalties prescribed in the Rules of Court; and
(e) Promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the functions of the Board subject
to the approval of the Commission.
(3) The Office of Legal Affairs shall provide the Chairman with legal advice and
assistance; render counselling services; undertake legal studies and researches;
prepare opinions and rulings in the interpretation and application of the Civil Service
law, rules and regulations; prosecute violations of such law, rules and regulations;
and represent the Commission before any Court or tribunal.
(4) The Office of Planning and Management shall formulate development plans,
programs and projects; undertake research and studies on the different aspects of
public personnel management; administer management improvement programs;
and provide fiscal and budgetary services.
(5) The Central Administrative Office shall provide the Commission with personnel,
financial, logistics and other basic support services.
(6) The Office of Central Personnel Records shall formulate and implement policies,
standards, rules and regulations pertaining to personnel records maintenance,
security, control and disposal; provide storage and extension services; and provide
and maintain library services.
(7) The Office of Position Classification and Compensation shall formulate and
implement policies, standards, rules and regulations relative to the administration of
position classification and compensation.
(8) The Office of Recruitment, Examination and Placement shall provide leadership
and assistance in developing and implementing the overall Commission programs
relating to recruitment, examination and placement, and formulate policies,
standards, rules and regulations for the proper implementation of the Commission's
examination and placement programs.
(9) The Office of Career Systems and Standards shall provide leadership and
assistance in the formulation and evaluation of personnel systems and standards
relative to performance appraisal, merit promotion, and employee incentive benefits
and awards.
(10) The Office of Human Resource Development shall provide leadership and
assistance in the development and retention of qualified and efficient work force in
the Civil Service; formulate standards for training and staff development; administer
service-wide scholarship programs; develop training literature and materials;
coordinate and integrate all training activities and evaluate training programs.
(11) The Office of Personnel Inspection and Audit shall develop policies, standards,
rules and regulations for the effective conduct or inspection and audit of personnel
and personnel management programs and the exercise of delegated authority;
provide technical and advisory services to civil Service Regional Offices and
government agencies in the implementation of their personnel programs and
evaluation systems.
(12) The Office of Personnel Relations shall provide leadership and assistance in the
development and implementation of policies, standards, rules and regulations in the
accreditation of employee associations or organizations and in the adjustment and
settlement of employee grievances and management of employee disputes.
(13) The Office of Corporate Affairs shall formulate and implement policies,
standards, rules and regulations governing corporate officials and employees in the
areas of recruitment, examination, placement, career development, merit and
awards systems, position classification and compensation, performing appraisal,

employee welfare and benefits, discipline and other aspects of personnel
management on the basis of comparable industry practices.
(14) The Office of Retirement Administration shall be responsible for the

enforcement of the constitutional and statutory provisions, relative to retirement
and the regulation for the effective implementation of the retirement of government
officials and employees.
(15) The Regional and Field Offices. - The Commission shall have not less than
thirteen (13) Regional offices each to be headed by a Director, and such field offices
as may be needed, each to be headed by an official with at least the rank of an
Assistant Director. Each Regional Office shall have the following functions:
(a) Enforce Civil Service law and rules, policies, standards on personnel
management within their respective jurisdiction;
(b) Provide technical advice and assistance to government offices and agencies
regarding personnel administration; and
(c) Perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Commission.
Section 17. Organizational Structure. - Each office of the Commission shall be

headed by a Director with at least one (1) Assistant Director, and may have such
divisions as are necessary to carry out their respective functions. As an independent
constitutional body, the Commission may effect changes in the organization as the
need arises.
CHAPTER 4 - Interdepartment Relations
Section 18. Civil Service Assistance to Department and Agencies. - Each Secretary
or head of office, agency, government-owned or controlled corporation with original
charter and local government shall be responsible for personnel administration in his
office which shall be in accordance with the provision relating to civil service
embodied in the Constitution, this Title and the rules, principles, standards,
guidelines and regulations established by the Commission. The Civil Service
Commission shall, whenever it deems it in the interest of the public service,
organize in each department, office, agency, government-owned or controlled
corporation, and provincial and city government a Civil Service Staff which shall be
headed by an officer of the Commission. The necessary staff personnel and office
facilities and equipment shall be provided by the department, government-owned or
controlled corporation or local government where the staff is established but the
Commission may augment these with its own. The Staff shall serve as the principal
liaison between the Civil Service and Department concerned and shall perform the
following specific functions and those functions which may hereafter be assigned to
it by the Commission.
(1) Provide technical assistance in all aspects of personnel management;
(2) Monitor and audit periodically the personnel practices and performance of the
Department or agency concerned as well as those of public officers and employees
thereat;
(3) Determine agency compliance with Civil Service Law and rules; and
(4) In the performance of these functions, the staff shall welcome and receive from
the public any suggestions, observations and complaints pertaining to the conduct of
public officers and employees.
In the performance of their functions, the units so organized shall avail of the
technical assistance and guidelines of the Civil Service Commission.
Section 19. Council of Personnel Officers. - There shall be a Council of Personnel

Officers to be composed of Chief personnel officers of the different executive
departments and of agencies with the category of department that the Chairman of
the Commission shall select for membership. Except for its Executive Officer who
shall be designated by the Chairman from among the appropriate officials in the
Civil Service Commission, the Council is authorized to elect such other officers from
among its members and to fix its own rules or procedures concerning attendance at
meetings, approval of policy declaration, and other business matters. Provisions for
necessary facilities and clerical assistance for the Council shall be made in the
annual budget of the Commission.
The Council shall have the following functions:

(1) Offer advice, upon request of the Secretary of a Department or the Commission,
in developing constructive policies, standards, procedures, and programs as well as
on matters relating to the improvement of personnel methods and to the solution of
personnel problems confronting the various departments and agencies of the
government;
(2) Promote among the departments and agencies, through study and discussion,
uniform and consistent interpretation and application of personnel policies; and
(3) Serve as a clearing house of information and stimulate the use of methods of
personnel management that will contribute most to good government.
Section 20. Inspection and Audit. - The Commission, through its designated
representatives, shall conduct a periodic inspection and audit of the personnel
management program of each department, agency, province or city, in order to: (a)
determine compliance with the Civil Service law, rules and standards; (b) review
discharge of delegated authority; (c) make an adequate evaluation of the progress
made and problems encountered in the conduct of the merit system in the national
and local governments; (d) give advice and provide assistance in developing
constructive policies, standards and procedures, and (e) stimulate improvement in
all areas of personnel management.
Periodic inspection and audit will include an appraisal of personnel management
operations and activities relative to: (a) formulation and issuance of personnel
policy; (b) recruitment and selection of employees; (c) personnel action and
employment status; (d) career and employee development; (e) performance
evaluation system; (f) employee suggestions and incentive award; (g) employee
relations and services; (h) discipline; (i) personnel records and reporting; and (j)
programs evaluation.
CHAPTER 5 - Personnel Policies and Standards
Section 21. Recruitment and Selection of Employees. - (1) Opportunity for

government employment shall be open to all qualified citizens and positive efforts
shall be exerted to attract the best qualified to enter the service. Employees shall be
selected on the basis of fitness to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities
of the positions.
(2) When a vacancy occurs in a position in the first level of the Career Service as
defined in Section 6, the employees in the department who occupy the next lower
positions in the occupational group under which the vacant position is classified, and
in other functionally related occupational groups and who are competent, qualified
and with the appropriate civil service eligibility shall be considered for promotion.
(3) When a vacancy occurs in a position in the second level of the Career Service as
defined in Section 8, the employees in the government service who occupy the next
lower positions in the occupational group under which the vacant position is
classified and in other functionally related occupational groups and who are
competent, qualified and with the appropriate civil service eligibility shall be
considered for promotion.
(4) For purposes of this Section, each department or agency shall evolve its own
screening process, which may include tests of fitness, in accordance with standards
and guidelines set by the Commission. Promotion boards shall be formed to
formulate criteria for evaluation, conduct tests or interviews, and make systematic
assessment of training experience.
(5) If the vacancy is not filled by promotion as provided herein the same shall be
filled by transfer of present employees in the government service, by reinstatement,
by re-employment of persons separated through reduction in force, or by
appointment of persons with the civil service eligibility appropriate to the positions.
(6) A qualified next-in-rank employee shall have the right to appeal initially to the
Secretaries or heads of agencies or instrumentalities including government-owned
or controlled corporations with original charters, then to the Merit System Protection
Board, and finally to the Civil Service Commission an appointment made in favor of
another employee if the appellant is not satisfied with the written special reason or
reason given by the appointing authority for such appointment; Provided, however,
that the decision of the Civil Service Commission may be reviewed on certiorari only
by the Supreme Court within thirty (30) days from receipt of the decision of the
aggrieved party. For purposes of this Section, "qualified next-in-rank" refers to an
employee appointed on a permanent basis to a position previously determined to be
next-in-rank and who meets the requirements for appointment thereto as previously
determined by the appointing authority and approved by the Commission.
(7) Qualification in an appropriate examination shall be required for appointment to

positions in the first and second levels in the career service in accordance with the
Civil Service rules, except as otherwise provided in this Title: Provided, That
whenever there is a civil service eligible actually available for appointment, no
person who is not such an eligible shall be appointed even in a temporary capacity
to any vacant position in the career service in the government or in any
government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, except when the
immediate filling of the vacancy is urgently required in the public interest, or when
the vacancy is not permanent, in which cases temporary appointments of non-
eligibles may be made in the absence of eligibles actually and immediately available.
(8) The appropriate examinations herein referred to shall be those given by the
Commission and the different agencies: Provided, however, That nothing herein shall
affect those eligibilities acquired prior to the effectivity of this Civil Service Law:
Provided, further, That a person with a civil service eligibility acquired by
successfully passing an examination shall be qualified for a position requiring a

lower eligibility if he possesses the other requirements for appointments to such
position.
Section 22. Qualification Standards. - (1) A qualification standard expresses the

minimum requirements for a class of positions in terms of education, training and
experience, civil service eligibility, physical fitness, and other qualities required for
successful performance. The degree of qualifications of an officer or employee shall
be determined by the appointing authority on the basis of the qualification standard
for the particular position.
Qualification standards shall be used as basis for civil service examinations for
positions in the career service, as guides in appointment and other personnel
actions, in the adjudication of protested appointments, in determining training
needs, and as aid in the inspection and audit of the agencies personnel work
programs.
It shall be administered in such manner as to continually provide incentives to

officers and employees towards professional growth and foster the career system in
the government service.
(2) The establishment, administration and maintenance of qualification standards
shall be the responsibility of the department or agency, with the assistance and
approval of the Civil Service Commission and in consultation with the Wage and
Position Classification Office.
Section 23. Release of Examination Results. - The results of any particular civil
service examination held in a number of places on the same date shall be released
simultaneously.
Section 24. Register of Eligibles. - The names of the competitors who pass an
examination shall be entered in a register of eligibles arranged in the order of their
general ratings and containing such information as the Commission may deem
necessary.
Section 25. Cultural Communities. - In line with the national policy to facilitate the
integration of the members of cultural communities and accelerate the development
of the areas occupied by them, the Commission shall give special civil service
examinations to qualify them for appointment in the civil service.
Section 26. Personnel Actions. - All appointments in the career service shall be
made only according to merit and fitness, to be determined as far as practicable by
competitive examinations. A non-eligible shall not be appointed to any position in
the civil service whenever there is a civil service eligible actually available for and
ready to accept appointment.
As used in this Title, any action denoting the movement or progress of personnel in
the civil service shall be known as personnel action. Such action shall include
appointment through certification, promotion, transfer, reinstatement, re-
employment, detail, reassignment, demotion, and separation. All personnel actions
shall be in accordance with such rules, standards, and regulations as may be
promulgated by the Commission.
(1) Appointment through certification. An appointment through certification to a

position in the civil service, except as herein otherwise provided, shall be issued to a
person who has been selected from a list of qualified persons certified by the
Commission from an appropriate register of eligibles, and who meets all the other
requirements of the position.
All such persons must serve a probationary period of six months following their
original appointment and shall undergo a thorough character investigation in order
to acquire permanent civil service status. A probationer may be dropped from the
service for unsatisfactory conduct or want of capacity any time before the expiration
of the probationary period: Provided, That such action is appealable to the
Commission.
(2) Promotion. A promotion is a movement from one position to another with an

increase in duties and responsibilities as authorized by law and usually accompanied
by an increase in pay. The movement may be from one department or agency to
another, or from one organizational unit to another in the same department or
agency.
(3) Transfer. A transfer is a movement from one position to another which is of

equivalent rank, level, or salary without break in service involving the issuance of an
appointment.
It shall not be considered disciplinary when made in the interest of public service, in
which case, the employee concerned shall be informed of the reasons therefor. If the
employee believes that there is no justification for the transfer, he may appeal his
case to the Commission.
The transfer may be from one department or agency to another or from one
organizational unit to another in the same department or agency: Provided,
however, That any movement from the non-career service to the career service shall
not be considered a transfer.
(4) Reinstatement. Any person who has been permanently appointed to a position in
the career service and who has, through no delinquence or misconduct, been
separated therefrom, may be reinstated to a position in the same level for which he
is qualified.
(5) Reemployment. Names of persons who have been appointed permanently to

positions in the career service and who have been separated as a result of reduction
in force or reorganization, shall be entered in a list from which selection for
reemployment shall be made.
(6) Detail. A detail is the movement of an employee from one agency to another
without the issuance of an appointment and shall be allowed, only for a limited
period in the case of employees occupying professional, technical and scientific
positions. If the employee believes that there is no justification for the detail, he
may appeal his case to the Commission. Pending appeal, the decision to detail the
employee shall be executory unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.
(7) Reassignment. An employee may be reassigned from one organizational unit to

another in the same agency: Provided, That such reassignment shall not involve a
reduction in rank, status or salary.
Section 27. Employment Status. - Appointment in the career service shall be

permanent or temporary.
(1) Permanent status. A permanent appointment shall be issued to a person who

meets all the requirements for the positions to which he is being appointed,
including the appropriate eligibility prescribed, in accordance with the provisions of
law, rules and standards promulgated in pursuance thereof.
(2) Temporary appointment. In the absence of appropriate eligibles and it becomes

necessary in the public interest to fill a vacancy, a temporary appointment shall be
issued to a person who meets all the requirements for the position to which he is
being appointed except the appropriate civil service eligibility: Provided, That such
temporary appointment shall not exceed twelve months, but the appointee may be
replaced sooner if a qualified civil service eligible becomes available.
Section 28. Salary increase or Adjustment. - Adjustments in salaries as a result of

increase in pay levels or upgrading of positions which do not involve a change in
qualification requirements shall not require new appointments except that copies of
the salary adjustment notices shall be submitted to the Commission for record
purposes.
Section 29. Reduction in Force. - Whenever it becomes necessary because of lack of

work or funds or due to a change in the scope or nature of an agency's program, or
as a result of reorganization, to reduce the staff of any department or agency, those
in the same group or class of positions in one or more agencies within the particular
department or agency wherein the reduction is to be effected, shall be reasonably
compared in terms of relative fitness, efficiency and length of service, and those
found to be least qualified for the remaining positions shall be laid off.
Section 30. Career and Personnel Development. - The development and retention of
a competent and efficient work force in the public service is a primary concern of
government. It shall be the policy of the government that a continuing program of
career and personnel development be established for all government employees at
all levels. An integrated national plan for career and personnel development shall
serve as the basis for all career and personnel development activities in the
government.
Section 31. Career and Personnel Development Plans. - Each department or agency
shall prepare a career and personnel development plan which shall be integrated
into a national plan by the Commission. Such career and personnel development
plans which shall include provisions on merit promotions, performance evaluation,
in-service training, including overseas and local scholarships and training grants, job
rotation, suggestions and incentive award systems, and such other provisions for
employees' health, welfare, counseling, recreation and similar services.
Section 32. Merit Promotion Plans. - Each department or agency shall establish
promotion plans which shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of
the Civil Service law and the rules, regulations and standards to be promulgated by
the Commission. Such plans shall include provisions for a definite screening process,
which may include tests of fitness, in accordance with standards and guidelines set
by the Commission. Promotion Boards may be organized subject to criteria drawn by

the Commission.
Section 33. Performance Evaluation System. - There shall be established a

performance evaluation system, which shall be administered in accordance with
rules, regulations and standards, promulgated by the Commission for all officers and
employees in the career service. Such performance evaluation system shall be
administered in such manner as to continually foster the improvement of individual
employee efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
Each department or agency may, after consultation with the Commission, establish
and use one or more performance evaluation plans appropriate to the various
groups of positions in the department or agency concerned. No performance
evaluation shall be given, or used as a basis for personnel action, except under an
approved performance evaluation plan: Provided, That each employee shall be
informed periodically by his supervisor of his performance evaluation.
Section 34. Responsibility for Training. - The Commission shall be responsible for
the coordination and integration of a continuing program of personnel development
for all government personnel in the first and second levels.
Central staff agencies and specialized institutes shall conduct continuing centralized
training for staff specialists from the different agencies. However, in those cases
where there is sufficient number of participants to warrant training at department or
agency or local government levels, such central staff agencies and specialized
institutes shall render the necessary assistance, and consultative services.
To avoid duplication of effort and overlapping of training functions, the following
functional responsibilities are assigned:
(1) Public and private colleges and universities and similar institutions shall be
encouraged to organize and carry out continuing programs of executive
development.
(2) The Commission, the Commission on Audit, the Department of Budget and
Management, the General Services Administration, and other central staff agencies
shall conduct centralized training and assist in the training program of the
Departments or agencies along their respective functional areas of specialization.
(3) In coordination with the Commission, the Department of Local Government and
Community Development shall undertake local government training programs.
(4) In coordination with the Commission, each department or agency, province or

city shall establish, maintain and promote a systematic plan of action for personnel
training at all levels in accordance with standards laid down by the Commission. It
shall maintain appropriate training staffs and make full use of available training
facilities.
Whenever it deems it necessary, the Commission shall take the initiative in

undertaking programs for personnel development.
Section 35. Employee Suggestions and incentive Award System. - There shall be
established a government-wide employee suggestions and incentive awards system
which shall be administered under such rules, regulations, and standards as may be
promulgated by the Commission.
In accordance with rules, regulations, and standards promulgated by the
Commission, the President or the head of each department or agency is authorized
to incur whatever necessary expenses involved in the honorary recognition of
subordinate officers and employees of the government who by their suggestions,
inventions, superior accomplishment, and other personal efforts contribute to the
efficiency, economy, or other improvement of government operations, or who
perform such other extraordinary acts or services in the public interest in connection
with, or in relation to, their official employment.
Section 36. Personnel Relations. - (1) It shall be the concern of the Commission to
provide leadership and assistance in developing employee relations programs in the
department or agencies.
(2) Every Secretary or head of agency shall take all proper steps toward the
creation of an atmosphere conducive to good supervisor-employee relations and the
improvement of employee morale.
Section 37. Complaints and Grievances. - Employees shall have the right to present
their complaints or grievances to management and have them adjudicated as
expeditiously as possible in the best interest of the agency, the government as a
whole, and the employee concerned. Such complaint or grievances shall be resolved
at the lowest possible level in the department or agency, as the case may be, and
the employee shall have the right to appeal such decision to higher authorities.
Each department or agency shall promulgate rules and regulations governing
expeditious, fair and equitable adjustment of employees' complaints or grievances in
accordance with the policies enunciated by the Commission.
In case any dispute remains unresolved after exhausting all the available remedies
under existing laws and procedures, the parties may jointly refer the dispute to the
Public Sector Labor Management Council constituted under section 46, for
appropriate action.
CHAPTER 6 - Right to Self - Organization
Section 38. Coverage. - (1) All government employees, including those in

government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters, can form, join
or assist employees' organizations of their own choosing for the furtherance and
protection of their interests. They can also form, in conjunction with appropriate
government authorities, labor-management committees, work councils and other
forms of workers' participation schemes to achieve the same objectives.
(2) The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the members of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, including police officers, policemen, firemen and jail
guards.
Section 39. Ineligibility of High-Level Employees to Join Rank-and-File Employees'

Organization. - High-level employees whose functions are normally considered as
policy-making or managerial or whose duties are of a highly confidential nature shall
not be eligible to join the organization of rank-and-file government employees.
Section 40. Protection of the Right to Organize. - (1) Government employees shall
not be discriminated against in respect of their employment by reason of their

membership in employees' organizations or participation in the normal activities of
their organizations. Their employment shall not be subject to the condition that they
shall not join or shall relinquish their membership in the employees' organizations.
(2) Government authorities shall not interfere in the establishment, functioning or

administration of government employees' organizations through acts designed to
place such organizations under the control of government authority.
Section 41. Registration of Employees' Organization. - Government employees'

organizations shall register with the Civil Service Commission and the Department of
Labor and Employment. The application shall be filed with the Bureau of Labor
Relations of the Department which shall process the same in accordance with the
provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines. Applications may also be filed with
the Regional Offices of the Department of Labor and Employment which shall
immediately transmit the said applications to the Bureau of Labor Relations within
three (3) days from receipt thereof.
Section 42. Certificate of Registration. - Upon arrival of the application, a

registration certificate shall be issued to the organization recognizing it as a
legitimate employees' organization with the right to represent its members and
undertake activities to further and defend its interests. The corresponding
certificates of registration shall be jointly approved by the Chairman of the Civil
Service Commission and the Secretary of Labor and Employment.
Section 43. Appropriate Organizational Unit. - The appropriate organizational unit

shall be the employer's unit consisting of rank-and-file employees unless
circumstances otherwise require.
Section 44. Sole and Exclusive Employees' Representatives. - (1) The duly
registered employees' organization having the support of the majority of the
employees in the appropriate organizational unit shall be designated as the sole and
exclusive representative of the employees.
(2) A duly registered employees' organization shall be accorded voluntary

recognition upon a showing that no other employees' organization is registered or is
seeking registration, based on the records of the Bureau of Labor Relations, and that
the said organization has the majority support of the rank-and-file employees in the
organizational unit.
(3) Where there are two or more duly registered employees' organizations in the
appropriate organizational unit, the Bureau of Labor Relations shall, upon petition,
order the conduct of a certification election and shall certify the winner as the
exclusive representative of the rank-and-file employees in said organizational unit.
Section 45. The Public Sector Labor-Management Council. - A Public Sector Labor-
Management Council is hereby constituted to be composed of the following: The
Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, as Chairman; the Secretary of Labor and
Employment, as Vice-Chairman; and the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of
Justice and the Secretary of Budget and Management, as members.
The Council shall implement and administer the provisions of this Chapter. For this
purpose, the Council shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
implement this Chapter.
Section 46. Discipline: General Provisions. -
(a) No officer or employee in the Civil Service shall be suspended or dismissed

except for cause as provided by law and after due process.
(b) The following shall be grounds for disciplinary action:
(1) Dishonesty;
(2) Oppression;
(3) Neglect of duty;
(4) Misconduct;
(5) Disgraceful and immoral conduct;
(6) Being notoriously undesirable;
(7) Discourtesy in the course of official duties;
(8) Inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties;
(9) Receiving for personal use of a fee, gift or other valuable thing in the course of
official duties or in connection therewith when such fee, gift, or other valuable thing
is given by any person in the hope or expectation of receiving favor or better
treatment than that accorded other persons, or committing acts punishable under
the anti-graft laws;
(10) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude;
(11) Improper or unauthorized solicitation of contributions from subordinate
employees and by teachers or school officials from school children;
(12) Violation of existing Civil Service Law and rules or reasonable office
regulations;
(13) Falsification of official document;
(14) Frequent unauthorized absences or tardiness in reporting for duty, loafing or
frequently unauthorized absence from duty during regular office hours;
(15) Habitual drunkenness;
(16) Gambling prohibited by law;
(17) Refusal to perform official duty or render overtime service;
(18) Disgraceful, immoral or dishonest conduct prior to entering the service;
(19) Physical or mental incapacity or disability due to immoral or vicious habits;
(20) Borrowing money by superior officers from subordinates or lending by
subordinates to superior officers;
(21) Lending money at usurious rates or interest;
(22) Willful failure to pay just debts or willful failure to pay taxes due to the
government;
(23) Contracting loans of money or other property from persons with whom the
office of the employee concerned has business relations;
(24) Pursuit of private business, vocation or profession without the permission
required by Civil Service rules and regulations;
(25) Insubordination;
(26) Engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities by one holding a
non-political office;
(27) Conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service;
(28) Lobbying for personal interest or gain in legislative halls and offices without
authority;
(29) Promoting the sale of tickets in behalf of private enterprises that are not
intended for charitable or public welfare purposes and even in the latter cases if
there is no prior authority;
(30) Nepotism as defined in Section 60 of this Title.
(c) Except when initiated by the disciplining authority, no complaint against a civil
service official or employee shall be given due course unless the same is in writing
and subscribed and sworn to by the complainant.
(d) In meeting out punishment, the same penalties shall be imposed for similar
offenses and only one penalty shall be imposed in each case. The disciplining
authority may impose the penalty of removal from the service, demotion in rank,
suspension for not more than one year without pay, fine in an amount not exceeding
six months' salary, or reprimand.
Section 47. Disciplinary Jurisdiction. -
(1) The Commission shall decide upon appeal all administrative disciplinary cases
involving the imposition of a penalty of suspension for more than thirty days, or fine
in an amount exceeding thirty days' salary, demotion in rank or salary or transfer,
removal or dismissal from office. A complaint may be filed directly with the
Commission by a private citizen against a government official or employee in which
case it may hear and decide the case or it may deputize any department or agency
or official or group of officials to conduct the investigation. The results of the
investigation shall be submitted to the Commission with recommendation as to the
penalty to be imposed or other action to be taken.
(2) The Secretaries and heads of agencies and instrumentalities, provinces, cities
and municipalities shall have jurisdiction to investigate and decide matters involving
disciplinary action against officers and employees under their jurisdiction. Their
decisions shall be final in case the penalty imposed is suspension for not more than
thirty days or fine in an amount not exceeding thirty days', salary. In case the
decision rendered by a bureau or office head is appealable to the Commission, the
same may be initially appealed to the department and finally to the Commission and
pending appeal, the same shall be executory except when the penalty is removal, in
which case the same shall be executory only after confirmation by the Secretary
concerned.
(3) An investigation may be entrusted to regional director or similar officials who

shall make the necessary report and recommendation to the chief of bureau or office
or department within the period specified in Paragraph (4) of the following Section.
(4) An appeal shall not stop the decision from being executory, and in case the
penalty is suspension or removal, the respondent shall be considered as having
been under preventive suspension during the pendency of the appeal in the event
he wins an appeal.
Section 48. Procedure in Administrative Cases Against Non-Presidential Appointees.

-
(1) Administrative proceedings may be commenced against a subordinate officer or
employee by the Secretary or head of office of equivalent rank, or head of local
government, or chiefs of agencies, or regional directors, or upon sworn, written
complaint of any other person.
(2) In the case of a complaint filed by any other persons, the complainant shall
submit sworn statements covering his testimony and those of his witnesses together
with his documentary evidence. If on the basis of such papers a prima facie case is
found not to exist, the disciplining authority shall dismiss the case. If a prima facie
case exists, he shall notify the respondent in writing, of the charges against the
latter, to which shall be attached copies of the complaint, sworn statements and
other documents submitted, and the respondent shall be allowed not less than
seventy-two hours after receipt of the complaint to answer the charges in writing
under oath, together with supporting sworn statements and documents, in which he
shall indicate whether or not he elects a formal investigation if his answer is not
considered satisfactory. If the answer is found satisfactory, the disciplining authority
shall dismiss the case.
(3) Although a respondent does not request a formal investigation, one shall
nevertheless be conducted when from the allegations of the complaint and the
answer of the respondent, including the supporting documents, the merits of the
case cannot be decided judiciously without conducting such an investigation.
(4) The investigation shall be held not earlier than five days nor later than ten days
from the date of receipt of respondent's answer by the disciplining authority, and
shall be finished within thirty days from the filing of the charges, unless the period is
extended by the Commission in meritorious cases. The decision shall be rendered by
the disciplining authority within thirty days from the termination of the investigation
or submission of the report of the investigator, which report shall be submitted
within fifteen days from the conclusion of the investigation.
(5) The direct evidence for the complainant and the respondent shall consist of the
sworn statement and documents submitted in support of the complaint or answer,
as the case may be, without prejudice to the presentation of additional evidence
deemed necessary but was unavailable at the time of the filing of the complaint or
answer, upon which the cross-examination, by respondent and the complainant,
respectively, shall be based. Following cross-examination, there may be redirect and
recross-examination.
(6) Either party may avail himself of the services of counsel and may require the
attendance of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence in his favor
through the compulsory process of subpoena or subpoena duces tecum.
(7) The investigation shall be conducted only for the purpose of ascertaining the
truth and without necessarily adhering to technical rules applicable in judicial
proceedings. It shall be conducted by the disciplining authority concerned or his
authorized representative.
The phrase "any other party" shall be understood to be a complainant other than
those referred to in subsection (a) hereof.
Section 49. Appeals. - (1) Appeals, where allowable, shall be made by the party
adversely affected by the decision within fifteen days from receipt of the decision
unless a petition for reconsideration is seasonably filed, which petition shall be
decided within fifteen days. Notice of the appeal shall be filed with the disciplining
office, which shall forward the records of the case, together with the notice of
appeal, to the appellate authority within fifteen days from filing of the notice of
appeal, with its comment, if any. The notice of appeal shall specifically state the
date of the decision appealed from and the date of receipt thereof. It shall also
specifically set forth clearly the grounds relied upon for excepting from the decision.
(2) A petition for reconsideration shall be based only on any of the following
grounds: (a) new evidence has been discovered which materially affects the decision
rendered; (b) the decision is not supported by the evidence on record; or (c) error
of law or irregularities have been committed which are prejudicial to the interest of
the respondent: Provided, That only one petition for reconsideration shall be
entertained.
Section 50. Summary Proceedings. - No formal investigation is necessary and the

respondent may be immediately removed or dismissed if any of the following
circumstances is present:
(1) When the charge is serious and the evidence of guilt is strong;
(2) When the respondent is a recidivist or has been repeatedly charged and there is
reasonable ground to believe that he is guilty of the present charge; and
(3) When the respondent is notoriously undesirable.
Resort to summary proceedings by the disciplining authority shall be done with

utmost objectivity and impartiality to the end that no injustice is committed:
Provided, That removal or dismissal except those by the President, himself or upon
his order, may be appealed to the Commission.
Section 51. Preventive Suspension. - The proper disciplining authority may

preventively suspend any subordinate officer or employee under his authority
pending an investigation, if the charge against such officer or employee involves
dishonesty, oppression or grave misconduct, or neglect in the performance of duty,
or if there are reasons to believe that the respondent is guilty of charges which
would warrant his removal from the service.
Section 52. Lifting of Preventive Suspension Pending Administrative Investigation. -

When the administrative case against the officer or employee under preventive
suspension is not finally decided by the disciplining authority within the period of
ninety (90) days after the date of suspension of the respondent who is not a
presidential appointee, the respondent shall be automatically reinstated in the
service: Provided, That when the delay in the disposition of the case is due to the
fault, negligence or petition of the respondent, the period of delay shall not be
counted in computing the period of suspension herein provided.
Section 53. Removal of Administrative Penalties or Disabilities. - In meritorious

cases and upon recommendation of the Commission, the President may commute or
remove administrative penalties or disabilities imposed upon officers or employees
in disciplinary cases, subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose in the
interest of the service.
CHAPTER 7 - Prohibitions
Section 54. Limitation on Appointment. - (1) No elective official shall be eligible for
appointment or designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his
tenure.
(2) No candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one year after election, be
appointed to any office in the Government or any government-owned or controlled
corporations or in any of its subsidiaries.
(3) Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no
appointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government or
any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or
controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.
Section 55. Political Activity. - No officer or employee in the Civil Service including
members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan
political activity or take part in any election except to vote nor shall he use his
official authority or influence to coerce the political activity of any other person or
body. Nothing herein provided shall be understood to prevent any officer or
employee from expressing his views on current political problems or issues, or from
mentioning the names of candidates for public office whom he supports: Provided,
That public officers and employees holding political offices may take part in political
and electoral activities but it shall be unlawful for them to solicit contributions from
their subordinates or subject them to any of the acts involving subordinates
prohibited in the Election Code.
Section 56. Additional or Double Compensation. - No elective or appointive public

officer or employee shall receive additional or double compensation unless
specifically authorized by law nor accept without the consent of the President, any
present, emolument, office, or title of any kind from any foreign state.
Pensions and gratuities shall not be considered as additional, double, or indirect
compensation.
Section 57. Limitations on Employment of Laborers. - Laborers, whether skilled,

semi-skilled or unskilled, shall not be assigned to perform clerical duties.
Section 58. Prohibition on Detail or Reassignment. - No detail or reassignment

whatever shall be made within three (3) months before any election.
Section 59. Nepotism. - (1) All appointments in the national, provincial, city and
municipal governments or in any branch or instrumentality thereof, including
government-owned or controlled corporations, made in favor of a relative of the
appointing or recommending authority, or of the chief of the bureau or office, or of
the persons exercising immediate supervision over him, are hereby prohibited.
As used in this Section, the word "relative" and members of the family referred to
are those related within the third degree either or consanguinity or of affinity.
(2) The following are exempted from the operation of the rules on nepotism: (a)
persons employed in a confidential capacity, (b) teachers, (c) physicians, and (d)
members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines: Provided, however, That in each
particular instance full report of such appointment shall be made to the Commission.
The restriction mentioned in subsection (1) shall not be applicable to the case of a
member of any family who, after his or her appointment to any position in an office
or bureau, contracts marriage with someone in the same office or bureau, in which
event the employment or retention therein of both husband and wife may be
allowed.
(3) In order to give immediate effect to these provisions, cases of previous

appointments which are in contravention hereof shall be corrected by transfer, and
pending such transfer, no promotion or salary increase shall be allowed in favor of
the relative or relatives who are appointed in violation of these provisions.
CHAPTER 8 - Leave of Absence
Section 60. Leave of Absence. - Officers and employees in the Civil Service shall be
entitled to leave of absence, with or without pay, as may be provided by law and the
rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission in the interest of the service.
Section 61. Examining Committee, Special Examiners and Special Investigators. -

Subject to approval by the proper head of a department or agency, the Commission
may select suitable persons in the government service to act as members of
examining committees, special examiners or special investigators. Such persons
shall be designated examiners or investigators of the Commission and shall perform
such duties as the Commission may require, and in the performance of such duties
they shall be under its exclusive control. Examining committees, special examiners
or special investigators so designated may be given allowances or per diems for
their services, to be paid out of the funds of, and at a rate to be determined by, the
Commission.
Section 62. Fees. - The Commission shall collect and charge fees for civil service
examinations, certifications of civil service ratings, service records, and other civil
service matters, training courses, seminars, workshops in personnel management
and other civil service matters. For this purpose, the Commission shall prescribe
standard and reasonable rates for such examinations, certifications, training
courses, seminars, and workshops: Provided, That no examination fees shall be
collected in examinations given for the selection of scholars.
Section 63. Income. - The income of the Commission from fees, costs for services it
may assess and levy, and such other proceeds generated in the performance of its
functions shall be directly utilized by the Commission for its expenses.
Section 64. Authority of Officers to Administer Oaths, Take Testimony, Prosecute

and Defend Cases in Court. - Members of the Commission, chiefs of offices, and
other officers and employees of the Commission designated in writing by the
Chairman may administer such oath as may be necessary in the transactions of
official business and administer oaths and take testimony in connection with any
authorized investigation. Attorneys of the Commission may prosecute and defend
cases in connection with the functions of the Commission before any court or
tribunal.
Section 65. Liability of Appointing Authority. - No person employed in the Civil

Service in violation of the Civil Service Law and rules shall be entitled to receive pay
from the government; but the appointing authority responsible for such unlawful
employment shall be personally liable for the pay that would have accrued had the
employment been lawful, and the disbursing officials shall make payment to the
employee of such amount from the salary of the officers so liable.
Section 66. Liability of Disbursing Officers. - Except as may otherwise be provided

by law, it shall be unlawful for a treasurer or other fiscal officer to draw or retain
from salary due an officer or employee any amount for contribution or payment of
obligations other than those due the government or its instrumentalities.
Section 67. Penal Provision. - Whoever makes any appointment or employs any
person in violation of any provision of this Title or the rules made thereunder or
whoever commits fraud, deceit or intentional misrepresentation of material facts
concerning other civil service matters, or whoever violates, refuses or neglects to
comply with any of such provisions or rules, shall upon conviction be punished by a
fine not exceeding one thousand pesos or by imprisonment not exceeding six (6)
months, or both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
Subtitle B -THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT
CHAPTER 1 - Gerneral Provisions
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - All resources of the government shall be

managed, expended or utilized in accordance with law and regulations and
safeguarded against loss or wastage through illegal or improper disposition to
ensure efficiency, economy and effectiveness in the operations of government. The
responsibility to take care that such policy is faithfully adhered to rests directly with
the chief or head of the government agency concerned.
Section 2. Definition of Terms. - Unless the content otherwise requires, when used
in this Title:
(1) "Fund" is a sum of money or other resources set aside for the purpose of
carrying out specific activities or attaining certain objectives in accordance with
special requisitions, restrictions, or limitations, and constitutes an independent fiscal
and accounting entity.
(2) "Government funds" includes public moneys of every sort and other resources
pertaining to any agency of the Government.
(3) "Revenue funds" comprises all funds deprived from the income of any agency of
the Government and available for appropriation or expenditure in accordance with
law.
(4) "Trust funds" refers to funds which have come officially into the possession of
any agency of the Government or of a public officer as trustee, agent, or
administrator, or which have been received for the fulfillment of some obligation.
(5) "Depository funds" comprises funds over which the officer accountable therefor
may retain control for the lawful purposes for which they came into his possession.
It embraces moneys in any and all depositories.
(6) "Depository" refers to any financial institution lawfully authorized to receive

government moneys upon deposit.
(7) "Resources" refers to the actual assets of any agency of the Government such as
cash, instruments representing or convertible to money, receivables, lands,
buildings, as well as contingent assets, such as estimated revenues applying to the
current fiscal period not accrued or collected, and bonds authorized and unissued.
(8) "Government agency" or "agency of the government," or "agency" refers to any

department, bureaus or office of the National Government, or any of its branches
and instrumentalities, or any political subdivision, as well as any government-owned
or controlled corporation, including its subsidiaries, or other self-governing board or

commission of the Government.
CHAPTER 2 - ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT
Section 3. The Commission Proper. - The Commission Proper shall be composed of

the Chairman and two Commissioners. It shall sit as a body to formulate policies,
promulgate rules and regulations, and prescribe standards governing the discharge
of its powers and functions.
Section 4. The Chairman. - The Chairman shall act as Presiding Officer of the
Commission Proper and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission. The Chairman
may be assisted by the commissioners in the general administration of the
Commission. He shall perform the following duties:
(1) Control and supervise the general administration of the commission;
(2) Direct and manage the implementation and execution of policies, standards,
rules and regulations of the commission;
(3) Control and supervise the audit of highly technical or confidential transactions or
accounts of any government agency; and
(4) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
Section 5. Offices of the Commissioners. - There shall be two (2) Commissioners
who shall assist the Chairman, upon proper delegation in the general administration
of the Commission. They shall assist in the review and evaluation of existing policies
as well as in the formulation of new ones.
Section 6. The Commission Secretariat. - The Commission Secretariat shall be
headed by the Secretary to the Commission who shall have the privileges of a COA
service chief. The Commission Secretariat shall perform the following functions:
(1) Prepare the agenda for the sessions of the Commission Proper;
(2) Prepare and keep the minutes of all sessions, hearings and conferences of the
Commission Proper;
(3) Maintain the records of the Commission Proper; and
(4) Perform such related functions as may be assigned by the Chairman of the
Commission Proper.
CHAPTER 3
OFFICES
Section 7. Central Offices. - The Commission shall have the following central offices:
(1) The Administrative Office shall be headed by a Director and shall perform the
(a) Develop and maintain a personnel program which shall include recruitment,
selection, appointment, performance evaluation, employee relations, and welfare
services;
(b) Provide the Commission with services related to personnel, records, supplies,
equipment, medical, collections and disbursements, and other related services; and
(c) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(2) The Planning, Financial and Management Office shall:
(a) Formulate long range and annual plans and programs for the Commission;
(b) Formulate basis policies and guidelines for the preparation of the budget of the
Commission, coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management, and the
Office of the President in the preparation of the said budget;
(c) Maintain and administer the accounting system pertaining to the accounts of the
Commission;
(d) Develop and maintain the management information system of the Commission;
(e) Develop and administer a management improvement program, including a
system for measurement of performance of auditing units on which an annual report
shall be submitted to the Chairman not later than the 31st of January of each year;
(f) Render consultancy services related to the discharge of government auditing
functions; and
(g) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(3) The State Accounting and Auditing Development Office shall be headed by a
Director and shall perform the following functions:
(a) Formulate long range plans for a comprehensive training program for all
personnel of the Commission and personnel of the agencies of government, with
respect to Commission rules and regulations and audit matters;
(b) Prepare and implement annual training programs, consistent with its long range
plans;
(c) Develop its capability to implement training programs;
(d) Publish the professional journal of the Commission;
(e) Establish and maintain such training centers and libraries as may be authorized
by the Commission; and
(f) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(4) The Accountancy Office shall be headed by a Director and shall perform the
(a) Prepare for the Commission, the annual financial report of the National
Government and such other financial or statistical works as may be required by the
Commission;
(b) Maintain the accounts of the current surplus of the general fund of the national
government;
(c) Verify appropriations, of national government agencies and control fund releases
pertaining thereto; and
(d) Assist in the formulation of accounting rules and regulations and supervise the
implementation of such rules and regulations in government agencies.
(5) The Special Audits Office shall be headed by a Director and shall perform the
(a) Conduct, consistent with the exercise by the Commission of its visitorial powers
as conferred by the variable scope audit of non-governmental firms subsidized by
the government (1) required to pay levies or government shares; (2) those funded
by donations through the government; and (3) those for which the government has
put up a counterpart fund. Such audits shall be limited to the funds coming from the
government;
(b) Undertake, on a selective basis, financial compliance, economy, efficiency and
effectiveness audit of national agencies and local government units, government-
owned or controlled corporations, and other self-governing boards, commissions, or
agencies of government, as well as specific programs and projects of the
government;
(c) Audit financial operations of public utilities and franchise grantees for rate
determination and franchise tax purposes;
(d) Conduct such other special audits as may be directed by the Chairman; and
(e) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(6) The Technical Services Office shall perform the following functions:
(a) Review and evaluate contracts with emphasis on the engineering and other
technical aspects;
(b) Inspect and appraise infrastructure projects, deliveries of materials and
equipment, and property for disposal;
(c) Develop and administer a system for monitoring the prices of materials,
supplies, and equipment purchased by the government;
(d) Initiate special studies on technical matters related to auditing; and
(e) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(7) The Legal Office shall be headed by a General Counsel with the rank and
privileges of a director and which shall perform the following functions:
(a) Perform advisory and consultative functions and render legal services with
respect to the performance of the functions of the Commission and the
interpretation of pertinent laws and regulations;
(b) Handle the investigation of administrative cases filed against the personnel of
the Commission, evaluate and act on all reports of involvement of the said
personnel in anomalies or irregularities in government transactions, and perform
any other investigative work required by the Commission upon assignment by the
Chairman.
(c) Represent the Commission in preliminary investigation of malversation and
similar cases discovered in audit, assist and collaborate with the prosecuting
agencies of Government in the prosecution thereof, and assist and collaborate with
the Solicitor General in handling civil cases involving the Chairman or any of the
Commissioners and other officials and employees of the Commission in their official
capacity;
(d) Extend assistance by way of legal advice or counsel to auditors of the
Commission who face harassment or retaliatory suits, whether civil or criminal, in
consequence of the performance of their official functions;
(e) Coordinate and initiate for the Commission, with appropriate legal bodies of
government with respect to legal proceedings towards the collection and
enforcement of debts and claims, and the restitution of funds and property, found to
be due any government agency in the settlement and adjustment of its accounts by
the Commission; and
(f) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(8) The National Government Audit Offices I and II shall be headed by a Director
and which shall perform the following functions:
(a) Exercise control and supervision over the implementation of auditing rules and
regulations in agencies of national government in the National Capital Region (NCR),
including self-governing boards, commissions or agencies funded from national
appropriations;
(b) Review audit reports covering agencies of the national government under its
audit jurisdiction;
(c) Exercise control and supervision over personnel, planning, financial (budgetary
and accounting), and legal matters pertaining to the Office and the Auditing Units
under it;
(d) Formulate and develop plans, operating standards, methods and techniques for
the implementation of auditing rules and regulations for agencies of the national
government;
(e) Formulate accounting and auditing rules and regulations for agencies of the
national government;
(f) Advise and assist the Chairman on matters pertaining to the audit of agencies of
the national government under their respective jurisdictions; and
(g) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(9) The Corporate Audit Office shall be headed by a Director and shall perform the
regulations in government-owned or controlled corporations in the National Capital
Region;
(b) Review audit reports covering government-owned or controlled corporations;
and accounting), and legal matters pertaining to the Office and the Auditing units
under it;
the implementation of accounting and auditing rules and regulations in government-
owned or controlled corporations;
(e) Formulate accounting and auditing rules and regulations for government-owned
or controlled corporations;
(f) Prepare for the Commission, the annual financial report of government-owned or
controlled corporations;
(g) Advise and assist the Chairman on matters pertaining to the audit of
government-owned or controlled corporations; and
(h) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
(10) The Local Governments Audit Office shall be headed by a Director and shall
perform the following functions:
regulations in local government units in the National Capital Region;
(b) Review audit reports covering local government units in the National Capital
Region;
and accounting), and legal matters pertaining to the Office and Auditing units under
it;
the implementation of auditing rules and regulations in local government units;
(e) Formulate accounting and auditing rules and regulations for local government
units;
(f) Prepare for the Commission, the annual financial report of local government
units;
(g) Advise and assist the Chairman on matters pertaining to the audit of local
government units; and
(h) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned from time to time by
the Chairman.
Section 8. Auditing Units in Regional Offices: Structure and Functions. - The

Regional Offices in Region I to XII, each to be headed by a Director shall perform
(1) Exercise supervision and control over the implementation of auditing rules and
regulations in any agency of the government with principal office or place of
operations within the regions;
(2) Review local, national and corporate audit reports pertaining to the region;
(3) Exercise control and supervision over personnel, planning, financial (budgetary
and accounting), and legal matters pertaining to the region; and
(4) Perform such other related functions as may be assigned by the Chairman.
Section 9. Auditing Units in Government Agencies: Structure and Functions. - The
Auditing Units in government agencies shall perform the following functions:
(1) Examine, audit and settle all accounts, funds, financial transactions and
resources of government agencies under their jurisdiction.
(2) Submit audit reports and such other reports as may be required by the
Commission;
(3) Keep and preserve expense vouchers, journal vouchers, stubs of treasury
warrants and checks, reports of collections and disbursements and similar
documents together with their supporting papers, under regulations of the
Commission; and
(4) Perform such other functions as may be assigned to them by the Chairman.
CHAPTER 4 - JURISDICTION, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
Section 10. Statement of Objectives. - In keeping with the constitutional mandate,

the Commission adheres to the following objectives:
(1) Determine whether or not the fiscal responsibility that rests directly with the
head of the government agency has been properly and effectively discharged;
(2) Develop and implement a comprehensive audit program that shall encompass an
examination of financial transactions, accounts and reports, including evaluation of
compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
(3) Institute control measures through the promulgation of auditing and accounting
rules and regulations governing the receipts disbursements, and uses of funds and
property, consistent with the total economic development efforts of the
Government;
(4) Promulgate auditing and accounting rules and regulations so as to facilitate the
keeping, and enhance the information value of the accounts of the Government;
(5) Institute measures designed to preserve and ensure the independence of its
representatives; and
(6) Endeavor to bring its operations closer to the people by the delegation of
authority through decentralization, consistent with the provisions of the Constitution
and the laws.
Section 11. General Jurisdiction. - (1) The Commission on Audit shall have the
power, authority, and duty to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to
the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned
or held in trust by, or pertaining to, the Government, or any of its subdivisions,
agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled

corporations with original charters, and on a post-audit basis: (a) constitutional
bodies, commissions and offices that have been granted fiscal autonomy under this
Constitution; (b) autonomous state colleges and universities, (c) other government-
owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries; and (d) such non-
governmental entities receiving subsidy or equity, directly or indirectly from or
through the Government, which are required by law or the granting institution to
submit to such audit as a condition of subsidy or equity. However, where the internal
control system of the audited agencies is inadequate, the Commission may adopt
such measures, including temporary or special pre-audit, as are necessary and
appropriate to correct the deficiencies. It shall keep the general accounts of the
Government and, for such period as may be provided by law, preserve the vouchers
and other supporting papers pertaining thereto.
(2) The Commission shall have exclusive authority, subject to the limitations in this
Article, to define the scope of its audit and examination, establish the techniques
and methods required therefor, and promulgate accounting and auditing rules and
regulations, including those for the prevention and disallowance of irregular,
unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable expenditures, or uses of
government funds and properties.
Section 12. Appointing Power. - The Commission Proper shall appoint in accordance
with the Civil Service Law, the officials and employees of the Commission wherever
they are stationed or assigned.
Section 13. Examining Authority. - The Commission shall have authority to examine
books, papers, documents filed by individuals and corporations with, and which are
in the custody of, government offices in connection with government revenue
collection operations, for the sole purpose of ascertaining that all funds determined
by the appropriate agencies and collectible and due the Government have actually
been collected, except as otherwise provided in the Internal Revenue Code of 1977.
Section 14. Visitorial Authority. - (1) The Commission shall have visitorial authority
over non-government entities subsidized by the Government, those required to pay
levies or have government shares, those which have received counterpart funds
from the Government or are partly funded by donations through the Government.
This authority, however, shall pertain only to the audit of these funds or subsidies
coming from or through the Government; and
(2) Upon direction of the President, the Commission shall likewise exercise visitorial
authority over non-governmental entities whose loans are guaranteed by the
Government, provided that such authority shall pertain only to the audit of the
government's contingent liability.
Section 15. Fee for Audit and Other Services. - (1) The Commission shall fix and
collect reasonable fees for the different services rendered to non-government
entities that shall be audited in connection with their dealings with the Government
arising from subsidiaries, counterpart funding by Government, or where audited
records become the basis for a government levy or share. Fees of this nature shall
accrue to the General Fund and shall be remitted to the Treasurer of the Philippines
within ten (10) days following the completion of the audit; and
(2) Whenever the Commission contracts with any government entity to render audit
and related services beyond the normal scope of such services, the Commission is
empowered to fix and collect reasonable fees. Such fees shall either be appropriated
in the agency's current budget, charged against its savings, or appropriated in its
succeeding year's budget. Remittance shall accrue to the General Fund and shall be
made to the Treasurer of the Philippines within the time provided for in the contract
of service, or in the billing rendered by the Commission.
Section 16. Deputization of Private Licensed Professionals to Assist Government

Auditors. -
(1) The Commission may, when the exigencies of the service also require, deputize
and retain in the name of the Commission such certified public accountants and
other licensed professionals not in the public service as it may deem necessary to
assist government auditors in undertaking specialized audit engagements; and
(2) The deputized professionals shall be entitled to such compensation and

allowances as may be stipulated, subject to pertinent rules and regulations on
compensation and fees.
Section 17. Government Contracts for Auditing, Accounting and Related Services. -
(1) No government agency shall enter into any contract with any private person or
firm for services to undertake studies and services relating to government auditing,
including services to conduct, for a fee, seminars or workshops for government
personnel on these topics, unless the proposed contract is first submitted to the
Commission to enable it to determine if it has the resources to undertake such
studies or services. The Commission may engage the services of experts from the
public or private sectors in the conduct of these studies; and
(2) Should the Commission decide not to undertake the study or service, it shall
nonetheless have the power to review the contract in order to determine the
reasonableness of its costs.
Section 18. Settlement of Accounts Between Agencies. - The Commission shall have
the power, under such regulations as it may prescribe, to authorize and enforce the
settlement of accounts subsisting between agencies of the Government.
Section 19. Collection of Indebtedness Due to the Government. - The Commission

shall, through proper channels, assist in the collection and enforcement of all debts
and claims, and the restitution of all funds or the replacement or payment as a
reasonable price of property, found to be due the Government, or any of its
subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, or any government-owned or controlled
corporation or self-governing, board, commission or agency of the Government, in
the settlement and adjustment of its accounts. If any legal proceeding is necessary
to that end, the Commission shall refer the case to the Solicitor General, the
Government Corporate Counsel, or the Legal Staff of the Creditor Government Office
or agency concerned to institute such legal proceeding. The Commission shall
extend full support in the litigation. All such moneys due and payable shall bear
interest at the legal rate from the date of written demand by the Commission.
Section 20. Power to Compromise Claims. - (1) When the interest of the
Government so requires, the Commission may compromise or release in whole or in
part, any settled claim or liability to any government agency not exceeding ten
thousand pesos arising out of any matter or case before it or within its jurisdiction,
and with the written approval of the President, it may likewise compromise or
release any similar claim or liability not exceeding one hundred thousand pesos. In
case the claim or liability exceeds one hundred thousand pesos, the application for
relief therefrom shall be submitted, through the Commission and the President, with
their recommendations, to the Congress; and
(2) The Commission may, in the interest of the Government, authorize the charging
or crediting to an appropriate account in the National Treasury, small discrepancies
(overage or shortage) in the remittances to, and disbursements of, the National
Treasury, subject to the rules and regulations as it may prescribe.
Section 21. Retention of Money for Satisfaction of Indebtedness to Government. -

When any person is indebted to any government agency, the Commission may
direct the proper officer to withhold the payment of any money due such person or
his estate to be applied in satisfaction of the indebtedness.
Section 22. Authority to Examine Accounts of Public Utilities. - (1) The Commission
shall examine and audit the books, records and accounts of public utilities in
connection with the fixing of rates of every nature, or in relation to the proceedings
of the proper regulatory agencies, for purposes of determining franchise taxes;
(2) Any public utility refusing to allow an examination and audit of its books of
accounts and pertinent records, or offering unnecessary obstruction to the
examination and audit, or found guilty of concealing any material information
concerning its financial status shall be subject to the penalties provided by law; and
(3) During the examination and audit, the public utility concerned shall produce all
the reports, records, books of accounts and such other papers as may be required.
The Commission shall have the power to examine under oath any official or
employee of the said public utility.
Section 23. Submission of Papers Relative to Obligations. - (1) The Commission

shall have the power, for purposes of inspection, to require the submission of the
original of any order, deed, contract, or other document under which any collection,
or payment from, government funds may be made, together with any certificate,
receipt, or other evidence in connection therewith. If authenticated copy is needed
for record purposes, the copy shall upon demand be furnished;
(2) In the case of deeds to property purchased by any government agency, the
Commission shall require a certificate of title entered in favor of the Government or
other evidence satisfactory to it that the title is in the Government; and
(3) It shall be the duty of the officials or employees concerned, including those in
non-government entities under audit, or affected in the audit of government and
non-government entities, to comply with these requirements. Failure or refusal to do
so without justifiable cause shall be a ground for administrative disciplinary action
as well as for disallowing permanently a claim under examination, assessing
additional levy or government share, or withholding or withdrawing government
funding or donation through the Government.
Section 24. Investigatory and Inquisitorial Powers. - The Chairman or any

Commissioner, the Central Office Managers, the Regional Directors, the Auditors of
any government agency, and any other official or employee of the Commission
specially deputed in writing for the purpose by the Chairman shall, in compliance
with the requirement of due process have the power to summon the parties to a
case brought before the Commission for resolution, issue subpoena and subpoena
duces tecum, administer oaths, and otherwise take testimony in any investigation or
inquiry on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
Section 25. Power to Punish Contempt. - The Commission shall have the power to
punish contempt provided for in the Rules of Court under the same procedure and
with the same penalties provided therein. Any violation of any final and executory
decision, order or ruling of the Commission shall constitute contempt of the
Commission.
Section 26. Annual Report of the Commission. - (1) The Commission shall submit to
the President, and the Congress not later than the last day of September of each
year an annual report on the financial condition and results of operation of all
agencies of the Government which shall include recommendations of measures
necessary to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies;
(2) To carry out the purposes of this section, the Chief Accountant or the official in
charge of keeping the accounts of government agency shall submit to the
Commission year-end trial balances and such other supporting or subsidiary
statements as may be required by the Commission not later than the fourteenth
(14) day of February. Trial balances returned by the Commission for revision due to
non-compliance with accounting rules and regulations shall be resubmitted within
three days after the date of receipt by the official concerned; and
(3) Failure on the part of any official or employee to comply with the provisions of
the immediately preceding paragraph shall cause the automatic suspension of the
payment of his salary and other emoluments until he shall have complied therewith.
The violation of these provisions for at least three (3) times shall subject the
offender to administrative disciplinary action.
Section 27. Statement of Monthly Receipts and Disbursements. - The Commission

shall forward to the Secretary of Finance, as soon as and within sixty (60) days after
the expiration of each month, a statement of all receipts of the national government
of whatever class, and payments of moneys made on warrants or otherwise during
the preceding month.
Section 28. Powers, Functions, Duties of Auditors as Representatives of the

Commission. - (1) The Auditors shall exercise such powers and functions as may be
authorized by the Commission in the examination, audit and settlement of the
accounts, funds, financial transactions and resources of the agencies under their
respective audit jurisdiction;
(2) A report of audit for each calendar year shall be submitted on the last working
day of February following the close of the year by the head of each auditing unit
through the Commission to the head or the governing body of the agency
concerned, and copies thereof shall be furnished the government officials concerned
or authorized to receive them. Subject to such rules and regulations as the
Commission may prescribe, the report shall set forth the scope of audit and shall
include statements of financial conditions, surplus or deficit analysis, operations,

changes in financial position, and such comments and information as may be
necessary together with such recommendations with respect thereto as may be
advisable, including a report of any impairment of capital noted in the audit. It shall
also show specifically any program, expenditure, or other financial transaction or
undertaking observed in the course of the audit which in the opinion of the auditor
has been carried out or made without authority of law. The auditor shall render such
other reports as the Commission may require:
(3) In the performance of their respective audit functions as herein specified, the
auditors shall employ such auditing procedures and techniques as are determined by
the Commission under regulations that it may promulgate; and
(4) The auditors in all auditing units shall have the custody and be responsible for
the safekeeping and preservation of paid expense vouchers, journal vouchers, stubs
of treasury warrants or checks, reports of collections and disbursements and similar
documents, together with their respective supporting papers, under regulations of
the Commission.
Section 29. Check and Audit of Property or Supplies. - The auditor shall from time to
time conduct a careful and thorough check and audit of all property or supplies of
the agency to which he is assigned. Such check and audit shall not be confined to a
mere inspection and examination of the pertinent vouchers, inventories, and other
papers but shall include an ocular verification of the existence and condition of the
property or supplies. The recommendation of the auditor shall be embodied in the
proper report.
Section 30. Annual Audit and Work Program. - Each Auditor who is head of an
auditing unit shall develop and devise an annual work program and the necessary
audit program for his unit in accordance with the regulations of the Commission.
Section 31. Seizure of Office by Auditor. - (1) The books, accounts, papers and
cash of any local treasurer or other accountable officer shall at all times be open to
the inspection of the Commission or its authorized representatives;
(2) In case an examination of the accounts of a local treasurer discloses a shortage

in cash which should be on hand, it shall be the duty of the examining officer to
seize the office and its contents, notify the Commission and the local chief
executive, thereupon immediately take full possession of the office and its contents,
close and render his accounts to the date of taking possession, and temporarily
continue the public business of such office; and
(3) The auditor who takes possession of the office of the local treasurer under this
section shall ipso facto supersede the local treasurer until the officer involved is
restored, or another person has been appointed or designated to the position or
other provision has been lawfully made for filling the office.
Section 32. Constructive Distraint of Property of Accountable Officer. - (1) Upon

discovery in audit of a shortage in the accounts of any accountable officer and upon
a finding of a prima facie case of malversation of public funds or property against
him, in order to safeguard the interest of the Government, the Commission may
place under constructive distraint personal property of the accountable officer
concerned where there is reasonable ground to believe that the said officer is
retiring from the government service or intends to leave the Philippines or remove
his property therefrom or hide or conceal his property.
(2) The constructive distraint shall be effected by requiring the accountable officer
concerned or any other person having possession or control of the property to
accomplish a receipt, in the form of prescribed by the Commission, covering the
property distrained and obligate himself to preserve the same intact and unaltered
and not to dispose of it in any manner whatever without the express authority of the
Commission; and
(3) In case the said accountable officer or other person having the possession and
control of the property sought to be placed under constructive distraint refuses or
fails to accomplish the receipt herein referred to, the representative of the
Commission effecting the constructive distraint shall proceed to prepare a list of
such property and, in the presence of two (2) witnesses, leave a copy thereof in the
premises where the property distrained is located, after which the said property
shall be deemed to have been placed under constructive distraint.
CHAPTER 5 - Decisions of the Commission
Section 33. Appeal from Decision of Auditors. - Any person aggrieved by the
decision of an auditor of any government agency in the settlement of an account or
claim may, within six (6) months from receipts of a copy thereof, appeal in writing to
the Commission.
Section 34. Period for Rendering Decisions of the Commission. - The Commission
shall decide any case brought before it within sixty (60) days from the date of its
submission for resolution. If the account or claim involved in the case needs
reference to other persons or office, or to a party interested, the period shall be
counted from the time the last comment necessary to a proper decision is received
by it.
Section 35. Appeal from Decision of the Commission. - Any decision, order or ruling
of the Commission may be brought to the Supreme Court on certiorari by the
aggrieved party within thirty days from his receipt of a copy thereof in the manner
provided by law and the Rules of Court. When the decision, order or ruling adversely
affects the interest of any government agency, the appeal may be taken by the
proper head that agency.
Section 36. Finality of Decision of the Commission or Any Auditor. - A decision of the
Commission or of any Auditor upon any matter within its or his jurisdiction, if not
appealed as herein provided, shall be final and executory.
Section 37. Opening and Revision of Settled Accounts. - (1) At any time before the
expiration of three (3) years after the settlement of any account by an auditor, the
Commission may motu proprio review and revise the account or settlement and
certify a new balance. For this purpose, it may require any account, vouchers or
other papers connected with the matter to be forwarded to it;
(2) When any settled account appears to be tainted with fraud, collusion, or error of
calculation, or when new and material evidence is discovered, the Commission may,
within three (3) years after the original settlement, open the account and, after a
reasonable time for reply or appearance of the party concerned, certify thereon a
new balance. An auditor may exercise the same power with respect to settled
accounts pertaining to the agencies under his audit jurisdiction; and
(3) Accounts once finally settled shall in no case be opened or reviewed except as
herein provided.
CHAPTER 6 - Government Auditing and Accounting
Section 38. Definition of Government Auditing. - Government auditing is the

analytical and systematic examination and verification of financial transactions,
operations, accounts and reports of any government agency for the purpose of
determining their accuracy, integrity and authenticity, and satisfying the
requirements of law, rules and regulations.
Section 39. General Standards. - (1) The audit shall be performed by a person
possessed with adequate technical training and proficiency as auditor;
(2) In all matters relating to the audit work, the auditor shall maintain complete
independence, impartiality and objectivity and shall avoid any possible compromise
of his independence or any act which may create a presumption of lack of
independence or the possibility of undue influence in the performance of his duties;
and
(3) The auditor shall exercise due professional care and be guided by applicable
laws, regulations and the generally accepted principles of accounting in the
performance of the audit work a well as in the preparation of audit and financial
reports.
Section 40. Definition of Government Accounting. - Government accounting includes

the process of analyzing, recording, classifying, summarizing and communicating all
transactions involving the receipt and dispositions of government funds and
property, and interpreting the results thereof.
Section 41. Objectives of Government Accounting. - Government accounting shall

aim to produce information concerning past operations and present conditions;
provide a basis for guidance for future operations; provide for control of the acts of
public bodies and officers in the receipt, disposition and utilization of funds and
property; and report on the financial position and the results of operations of
government agencies for the information of all persons concerned.
CHAPTER 7 - RECEIPT AND DISPOSITION OF FUNDS AND PROPERTY
Section 42. Accounting for Money and Property Received by Public Officials. - Except
as may otherwise be specifically provided by law or competent authority, all moneys
and property officially received by a public officer in any capacity or upon any
occasion must be accounted for as government funds and government property.
Government property shall be taken up in the books of the agency concerned at
acquisition cost or an appraised value.
Section 43. Special, Fiduciary and Trust Funds. - Receipts shall be recorded as
income of Special, Fiduciary or Trust Funds or Funds other than the General Fund
only when authorized by law as implemented pursuant to law.
Section 44. Issuance of Official Receipts. - (1) No payment of any nature shall be
received by a collecting officer without immediately issuing an official receipt in
acknowledgment thereof. The receipt may be in the form of postage, internal
revenue or documentary stamps and the like, or officially numbered receipts,
subject to proper custody, accountability and audit; and
(2) Where mechanical devices are used to acknowledge cash receipts, the
Commission may approve, upon request, exemption from the use of accountable
forms.
CHAPTER 8 - Application of Appropriated Funds
Section 45. Disbursement of Government Funds. - (1) Revenue funds shall not be
paid out of any public treasury or depository except in pursuance of an appropriation
law or other specific statutory authority;
(2) Trust funds shall not be paid out of any public treasury or depository except in
fulfillment of the purpose for which the trust was created or funds received and
upon authorization of the legislative body, or head of any other agency of the
government having control thereof, and subject to pertinent budget laws, rules and
regulations;
(3) National revenue and trust funds shall not be withdrawn from the National
Treasury except upon warrant or other instruments of withdrawal approved by the
Secretary of Finance as recommended by the Treasurer of the Philippines; and
(4) Temporary investment of investible cash in the National Treasury in any

securities issued by the National Government and its political subdivisions and
instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations as
authorized by the Secretary of Finance, shall not be construed as disbursement of
funds.
Section 46. Appropriation Before Entering into Contract. - (1) No contract involving
the expenditure of public funds shall be entered into unless there is an appropriation
therefor, the unexpended balance of which, free of other obligations, is sufficient to
cover the proposed expenditure; and
(2) Notwithstanding this provision, contracts for the procurement of supplies and
materials to be carried in stock may be entered into under regulations of the
Commission provided that when issued, the supplies and materials shall be charged
to the proper appropriations account.
Section 47. Certificate Showing Appropriation to Meet Contract. - Except in the case
of a contract for personal service, for supplies for current consumption or to be
carried in stock not exceeding the estimated consumption for three (3) months, or
banking transactions of government-owned or controlled banks, no contract
involving the expenditure of public funds by any government agency shall be
entered into or authorized unless the proper accounting official of the agency
concerned shall have certified to the officer entering into the obligation that funds
have been duly appropriated for the purpose and that the amount necessary to
cover the proposed contract for the current calendar year is available for
expenditure on account thereof, subject to verification by the auditor concerned. The

certificate signed by the proper accounting official and auditor who verified it, shall
be attached to and become an integral part of the proposed contract, and the sum
so certified shall not thereafter be available for expenditure for any other purpose
until the obligation of the government agency concerned under the contract is fully
extinguished.
Section 48. Void Contract and Liability of Officer. - Any contract entered into
contrary to the requirements of the two (2) immediately preceding sections shall be
void, and the officer or officers entering into the contract shall be liable to the
Government or other contracting party for any consequent damage to the same
extent as if the transaction had been wholly between private parties.
Section 49. Countersigning of Warrants or Checks by Auditors. - No warrant or

check shall be paid by the Treasury of the Philippines, local treasurer, or any
government depository unless it is countersigned by a duly authorized official of the
Commission. When, in the opinion of the Commission, the interest of the service so
requires, the warrant or check may be paid without the countersignature under such
rules and regulations as it may be prescribed from time to time.
CHAPTER 9 - Accountability and Responsibility for Government Funds and Property
Section 50. Accountable Officers; Board Requirements. - (1) Every officer of any
government agency whose duties permit or require the possession or custody
government funds shall be accountable therefor and for safekeeping thereof in
conformity with law; and
(2) Every accountable officer shall be properly bonded in accordance with law.
Section 51. Primary and Secondary Responsibility. - (1) The head of any agency of
the Government is immediately and primarily responsible for all government funds
and property pertaining to his agency;
(2) Persons entrusted with the possession or custody of the funds or property under
the agency head shall be immediately responsible to him, without prejudice to the
liability of either party to the Government.
Section 52. General Liability for Unlawful Expenditures. - Expenditures of

government funds or uses of government property in violation of law or regulations
shall be a personal liability of the official or employee found to be directly
responsible therefor.
Section 53. Prohibition Against Pecuniary Interest. - No accountable or responsible

officer shall be pecuniary interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract or
transaction of the agency in which he is such an officer.
Section 54. Duty to Respect the Commission's Independence. - It shall be the duty
of every person to respect, protect and preserve the independence of the
Commission.
Section 55. Administrative Disciplinary Action. - Subject to rules and regulations as

may be approved by the President, any unjustified failure by the public officer
concerned to comply with any requirement imposed in Title I-B, Book V of this Code
shall constitute neglect of duty and shall be a ground for administrative disciplinary
action against said public officer who, upon being found guilty thereof after hearing,
shall be meted out such penalty as is commensurate with the degree of his guilt in
accordance with the Civil Service Law. Repealed unjustified failure to comply with
the requirement imposed in Title I-B, Book V of this Code shall be conclusive proof
that the public officer concerned is notoriously undesirable.
Subtitle C - COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall at all times ensure free, orderly,
honest, peaceful and credible elections under a free and open party system which
shall be allowed to evolve according to the free choice of the people subject to the
provisions of Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
Section 2. Powers and Functions. - In addition to the powers and functions conferred
upon it by the constitution, the Commission shall have exclusive charge of the
enforcement and administration of all laws relative to the conduct of elections for
the purpose of insuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections, and
shall:
(1) Promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of the Omnibus
Elections Code or other laws which the Commission is required to enforce and
administer;
(2) Fix other reasonable periods for certain pre-election requirements in order that
voters shall not be deprived of their rights of suffrage and certain groups of rights
granted them in the Omnibus Election Code;
Unless indicated in the Omnibus Election Code, the Commission is hereby authorized
to fix the appropriate period for the various prohibited acts enumerated therein,
consistent with the requirements of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible
elections.
(3) Exercise direct and immediate supervision and control over national and local
officials or employees, including members of any national or local law enforcement
agency and instrumentality of the government required by law to perform duties
relative to the conduct of elections, plebiscite, referendum, recall and initiative. In
addition, it may authorize CMT cadets, eighteen years of age and above to act as its
deputies for the purpose of enforcing its orders;
The Commission may relieve any officer or employee referred to in the preceding
paragraph from the performance of his duties relating to electoral processes who
violates the election law or fails to comply with its instructions, orders, decisions or
rulings, and appoint his substitute. Upon recommendation of the Commission, the
corresponding proper authority shall suspend or remove from office any or all of
such officers or employees who may after due process, be found guilty of such
violation or failure.
(4) During the period of the campaign and ending thirty days thereafter, when in
any area of the country there are persons committing acts of terrorism to influence
people to vote for or against any candidate or political party, the Commission shall
have the power to authorize any member or members of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Integrated National Police or
any similar agency or instrumentality of the government, except civilian home
defense forces, to act as deputies for the purpose of insuring the holding of free,
orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections;
(5) Publish at least ten (10) days before an election in a newspaper of general
circulation certified data on the number of official ballots and election returns and
the names and address of the printers and the number printed by each;
(6) Refuse, motu propio or upon a verified petition, to give due course to or cancel a
certificate of candidacy if it is shown that said certificate has been filed to put the
election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters by
the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or by other circumstances or
acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run
for the office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed and thus prevent a
faithful determination of the true will of the electorate;
(7) Postpone, motu propio or upon verified petition and after due notice and hearing
whereby all interested parties are afforded equal opportunity to be heard, the
election to a date which should be reasonably close to the date of the election not
held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect but not later than thirty days
after the cessation of the cause for such postponement or suspension of the election
or failure to elect, when for any serious cause such as violence, terrorism, loss or
destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous
causes the holding of a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election should
become impossible in any political subdivision.
(8) Call for the holding or continuation of election not held in any polling place
where on account of force majeure, violence, terrorism, fraud or other analogous
causes the election has not been held on the date fixed, or had been suspended
before the hour fixed by law for the closing of the voting, or after the voting and
during the preparation and the transmission of the election returns or in the custody
or canvass thereof, such election results in a failure to elect, and in any of such
cases the failure or suspension of election would affect the result of the election.
Such call should be on the basis of a verified petition by any interested party and
after due notice and hearing and the new date should be reasonably close to the
date of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect but
not later than thirty (30) days after the cessation of the cause of such
postponement or suspension of the election or failure to elect.
(9) Call a special election to elect the member to serve the unexpired portion in case
a vacancy arises in the Senate or in the House of Representatives eighteen (18)
months or more before a regular election, to be held within sixty (60) days after the
vacancy occurs;
(10) Summon the parties to a controversy pending before it, issue subpoena duces
tecum and take testimony in any investigation or hearing before it, and delegate
such power to any officer of the Commission who shall be a member of the
Philippine Bar. In case of failure of a witness to attend, the Commission, upon proof
of service of the subpoena to said witness, may issue a warrant to arrest the witness
and bring him before the Commission or the officer before whom his attendance is
required;
Any controversy submitted to the Commission shall, after compliance with the
requirements of due process, be immediately heard and decided by it within sixty
(60) days from the date of its submission for decision or resolution. No decision or
resolution shall be rendered by the Commission either en banc or by division unless
taken up in a formal session properly convened for the purpose;
The Commission may when necessary, avail itself of the assistance of any national
or local law enforcement agency and or instrumentality of the government to
execute under its direct and immediate supervision any of its final decisions, orders,
instruction or rulings;
(11) Punish for contempt according to the procedure, and with the same penalties
provided, in the Rules of Court. Any violation of any final and executory decision,
order or ruling of the Commission shall constitute contempt thereof;
(12) Enforce and execute its decisions, directives, orders and instructions which
shall have precedence over those emanating from any other authority, except the
Supreme Court and those issued in habeas corpus proceedings;
(13) Prescribe the forms to be used in the election, plebiscite or referendum, recall
or initiative;
(14) Procure any supplies, equipment, materials or services needed for the holding
of the election by public bidding; but if it finds the requirements of public bidding
impractical to observe, then by negotiations or sealed bids, and in both cases, the
accredited parties shall be duly notified;
(15) Prescribe the use or adoption of the latest technological and electronic devices,
taking into account the situation prevailing in the area and funds available for the
purpose. The Commission shall notify the authorized representatives of accredited
political parties and candidates in areas affected by the use or adoption of
technological and electronic devices not less than thirty days prior to the effectivity
of the use of such devices;
(16) Constitute a pool of standby-teachers from which substitutes shall be drawn in

case a member/s of the Board of Election Inspectors who, for one reason or another,
failed to report or refused to act as such on the day of election.
(17) Carry out a continuing and systematic campaign through newspapers of

general circulation, radio and other media forms to educate the public and fully
inform the electorate about election laws, procedures, decisions, and other matters
relative to the works and duties of the Commission and the necessity of clean, free,
orderly, honest, peaceful and credible electoral processes;
(18) Accredit non-partisan groups or organizations of citizens from the civic, youth,
professional, education, business or labor sectors known for their probity,
impartiality and integrity with the membership and capability to undertake a
coordinated operation and activity to assist it in the implementation of the
provisions of Omnibus Election Code and the resolutions, orders and instructions of
the Commission for purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible
elections in any constituency. Such groups or organization shall functions under the
direct and immediate control and supervision of the Commission;
(19) Conduct hearings on controversies pending before it in the cities or provinces

upon proper motion of any party, taking into consideration the materiality and
number of witnesses to be presented, the situation prevailing in the area and the
fund available for the purpose;
(20) Have exclusive jurisdiction over all pre-proclamation controversies. It may

motu proprio or upon written petition, and after due notice and hearing, order the
partial or total suspension of the proclamation of any candidate-elect or annul
partially or totally any proclamation, if one has been made, as the evidence shall
warrant. Notwithstanding the pendency of any preproclamation controversy, the
Commission may, motu propio or upon filing of a verified petition and after due
notice and hearing, order the proclamation of other winning candidates whose
election will not be affected by the outcome of the controversy.
(21) Have the exclusive power, through its duly authorized legal officers, to conduct
preliminary investigation of all election offenses punishable under the Omnibus
Election Code and to prosecute the same. The Commission may avail itself of the
assistance of other prosecuting arms of the government:
Provided, however, that in the event that the Commission fails to act on any
complaint within four (4) months from its filing, the complainant may file the
complaint with the office of the fiscal or with the Department of Justice for proper
investigation and prosecution, if warranted; and
Section 3. Enforcement Powers. - For the effective enforcement of the provisions of

the Omnibus Election Code, the Commission is further vested and charged with the
following powers, duties and responsibilities:
1. To stop any illegal activity, or confiscate, tear down, and stop any unlawful,
libelous, misleading or false election propaganda, after due notice and hearing; and
2. To inquire into the financial records of candidates and any organization or group
of persons, motu propio or upon written representation for probable cause by any
candidate, organization or group of persons or qualified voter, after due notice and
hearing.
For purposes of this Section, the Commission may avail itself of the assistance of the
Commission on Audit, the Central Bank, the National Bureau of Investigation, the
Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Integrated
National Police of the Philippines, barangay officials and other agencies of the
government.
CHAPTER 2 - The Commission Proper
Section 4. Composition and Qualifications. - There shall be a Commission on

Elections composed of a Chairman and six (6) Commissioners who shall be natural
born citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-
five (35) years of age, holders of a college degree, and must not have been
candidates for any elective position in the immediately preceding elections.
However, a majority thereof, including the Chairman, shall be members of the
Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten (10)
years.
Section 5. Appointment and Term of Office. - The Chairman and the Commissioners
shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on
Appointments for a term of seven (7) years without reappointment. Of those first
appointed, three (3) Members shall hold office for seven (7) years, two (2) members
for five (5) years, and the last members for three (3) years, without reappointment.
Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.
In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting
capacity.
Section 6. Disqualifications. - The Chairman and members of the Commission shall

be subject to the canons of judicial ethics in the discharge of their functions.
No chairman or commissioners shall sit in any case in which he has manifested bias
or prejudice or antagonism against any party thereto and in connection therewith,
or in any case in which he would be disqualified under the Rules of Court. If it be
claimed that the chairman or a commissioner is disqualified as above provided, the
party objecting to his competency may file his objection in writing with the
Commission stating the ground therefor. The official concerned shall continue to
participate in the hearing or withdraw therefrom in accordance with his
determination of the question of his disqualification. The decision shall forthwith be
made in writing and filed with the other papers of the case in accordance with the
Rules of Court. If a disqualification should result in a lack of quorum in the
Commission sitting en banc, the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals shall
designate a justice of said court to sit in said case for the purpose of hearing and
reaching a decision thereon.
Section 7. Chairman as Executive Officer; Powers and Duties. - The Chairman, who
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, shall:
(1) Execute and administer the policies, decisions, orders and resolutions approved
by the Commission;
(2) Direct and supervise the operations and internal administration of the
Commission;
(3) Sign appointments of subordinate officials and employees made by the

Commission and enforce decisions on administrative discipline involving them;
(4) Make temporary assignments, rotate and transfer personnel in accordance with
the provisions of the civil service law;
(5) Submit an annual budget to the Commission for its approval;
(6) Delegate his authority, in whole or in part, to other officials of the Commission,
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission; and
(7) Perform such other duties as may be authorized by the Commission.
Section 8. Executive Director; Powers and Duties. - The Executive Director of the
Commission shall:
(1) Advise and assist the Chairman in the formulation and implementation of the
objectives, policies, plans and programs of the Commission;
(2) Serve as the principal assistant of the Chairman in the overall supervision of the
administrative business of the Commission;
(3) Oversee all the operational activities of the Commission;
(4) Coordinate the programs and projects of the Commission and be responsible for
its economical, efficient and effective administration;
(5) Serve as deputy to the Chairman in all matters relating to the operational
activities of the Commission;
(6) Administer oaths in connection with all matters relating to the business of the
Commission; and
(7) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chairman.
Section 9. Staff and Operating Units. - The Commission shall have the following staff
and operating units: Office of the Chairman, Office of the Executive Director, Office
of the Electoral Contests Adjudication, Regional Offices, Election and Barangay
Affairs Department, Law Department, Election Records and Statistics Department,
Administrative Service Department, Planning Department, Personnel Department,
Finance Services Department and Education and Information Department.
Section 10. Duties and Functions of Offices and Departments of the Commission. -
The different offices and departments of the Commission shall operate in accordance
with their respective duties and functions assigned to them by the Commission,
subject to the requirements of efficiency, economy and effectiveness, and pertinent
Budget and Civil Service Law, rules and regulations.
CHAPTER 3 - The Fielf Office
Section 11. Field Office of the Commission. - The Commission shall have the
following field offices:
(1) Regional Election Office, headed by the Regional Election Director and assisted
by the Assistant Regional Director and such other subordinate officers or employees
as the Commission may appoint;
(2) Provincial Election Office, headed by the Provincial Election Supervisor and
assisted by such other subordinate officers or employees as the Commission may
appoint;
(3) City Municipal Election Office, headed by the City/Municipal Election Registrar
who shall be assisted by an election clerk and such other employees as the
Commission may appoint.
The Commission may delegate its powers and functions or order the implementation
or enforcement of its orders, rulings or decisions through the heads of its field
offices.
Section 12. Qualifications of Heads of field Offices. - Only members of the

Philippines Bar shall be eligible for appointment to the position of regional director,
assistant regional director, provincial election supervisor and election registrar.
However, if there are no members of the Philippine Bar available for appointment as
election registrar, except in cities and capital towns, graduates of duly recognized
schools of law, liberal arts, education or business administration who possess the
appropriate civil service eligibility may be appointed to said position.
Section 13. Changes in the Composition, Distribution of Assignment of Field Offices.

- The Commission may make changes in the composition, distribution and
assignment of field offices, as well as its personnel, whenever the exigencies of the
service and the interest of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election so
require: Provided, That such changes shall be effective and enforceable only for the
duration of the election period concerned and shall not affect the tenure of office of
the incumbents of positions affected and shall not constitute a demotion, either in
rank of salary, nor result in a change of status; and Provided, further, that there
shall be no changes in the composition, distribution or assignment within thirty (30)
days before election, except for cause and after due notice and hearing, and that in
no case shall a regional or assistant regional director be assigned to a region, or a
provincial election supervisor to a province, or a city municipal election registrar to a
city or municipality, where he and/or his spouse are related to any candidate within
the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity as the case may be.
Title II - OTHER BODIES
Subtitle A - Commission on Human Rights
Section 1. Composition and Qualification. - The Commission on Human Rights shall

be composed of a Chairman and four (4) Members who must be natural-born
citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five
years of age, and must not have been candidates for any elective position in the
elections immediately preceding their appointment. However, a majority thereof
shall be members of the Philippine Bar.
Section 2. Powers and Functions. - The Commission on Human Rights shall:
(1) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights
violations involving civil and political rights;
(2) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt
violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court;
(3) Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all
persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for
preventive measures and legal aid services to the under-privileged whose human
rights have been violated or need protection;
(4) Exercise visitorial powers over jails prisons, or detention facilities;
(5) Establish a continuing program of research, education and information to

enhance respect for the primacy of human rights;
(6) Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to
provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families;
(7) Monitor the Philippine Government's compliance with international treaty

obligations on human rights;
(8) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose
possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine
the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority;
(9) Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the
performance of its functions;
(10) Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
(11) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.
Section 3. Inhibitions Against Commissioners. - The Chairman and the Members of

the Commission on Human Rights shall not, during their tenure, hold any other
office or employment. Neither shall they engage in the practice of any profession or
in the active management or control of any business which in any way will be
affected by the functions of their office, nor shall they be financially interested,
directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted by
the government, any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including
government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.
Section 4. Term of Office. - The Chairman and the Members of the Commission on
Human Rights shall be appointed by the President for a term of seven years without
reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of
the predecessor.
Section 5. Compensation. - The Chairman and the Members of the Commission on

Human Rights shall receive the same salary as the Chairman and Members,
respectively, of the Constitutional Commissions, which shall not be decreased during
their term of office.
Section 6. Annual Appropriations. - The approved annual appropriations of the

Commission on Human Rights shall be automatically and regularly released.
Subtitle B - Office of the Ombudsman
Section 1. Composition. - (1) The Office of the Ombudsman shall be headed by the
Ombudsman, to be known as the Tanod-bayan, who shall be assisted by one overall
Deputy and at least by one Deputy each for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. A
separate Deputy for the military establishment may likewise be appointed.
(2) It shall have such other officials and employees, to be appointed by the
Ombudsman according to the Civil Service Law.
Section 2. Powers and Functions. - The Office of the Ombudsman shall:

(1) Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of
any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to
be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient;
(2) Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee of
the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well as of
any government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, to perform
and expedite any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent, and correct any
abuse or impropriety in the performance of duties;
(3) Direct the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official or
employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, fine,
censure, or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith;
(4) Direct the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such
limitations as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of documents
relating to contracts or transactions entered into by his office involving the
disbursement or use of public funds or properties, and report any irregularity to the
Commission on Audit for appropriate action;
(5) Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the
discharge of its responsibilities, and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records and
documents;
(6) Publicize matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant

and with due prudence;
(7) Determine the causes of inefficiency; red tape, mismanagement, fraud, and
corruption in the Government and make recommendations for their elimination and
the observance of high standards of ethics and efficiency;
(8) Promulgate its rules of procedure and exercise such other powers or perform
such functions or duties as may be provided by law.
Section 3. Action and Complaints. - The Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protectors
of the people, shall act promptly on complaint filed in any form or manner against
public officials or employees of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, and
shall, in appropriate cases, notify the complainants of the action taken and the
result thereof.
Section 4. Fiscal Autonomy. - The Office of the Ombudsman shall enjoy fiscal
autonomy. Its approved annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly
released.
Subtitle C - The National Economic and Development Authority
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall ensure that all socio-economic
programs and activities of the government shall be programmed within the context
of well-formulated and consistent long, medium, and short-term development plans

and policies to promote both the growth of the economy and the equitable
distribution of the benefits of such growth to the members of society. To this end, it
is recognized that the formulation of the required socio-economic development
policies and plans is a vital process that calls for the participation of the various
government agencies and private sector institutions and individuals concerned, both
on national, regional, and local levels. This process of policy and plan formulation,
however needs to be coordinated closely by a central government agency to ensure
consistency of these plans and policies and optimal use of the nation's scarce
resources.
Section 2. National Economic and Development Authority. - The National Economic

and Development Authority shall serve as an independent planning agency of the
government.
Section 3. Powers and Functions of the Authority. - The powers and functions of the
Authority are vested in the NEDA Board.
The Authority shall primarily be responsible for formulating continuing, coordinated

and fully integrated social and economic policies, plans and programs, on the basis
of the following:
(1) The State aims to achieve objectives of growth coupled with equity;
(2) Development leading to the attainment of the above mentioned goals is a multi-
faceted process that calls for the coordination and integration of policies, plans,
programs and projects of all sectors of society;
(3) In the formulation of basic policies, plans, programs and projects, there shall be
maximum participation by and consultation with concerned private sector groups,
community organizations and beneficiaries and local government units in order to
ensure that priority needs are incorporated into such policies, plans, programs and
projects;
(4) National plans shall be in fact the sum of nationally and regionally identified
targets and strategies and locally formulated approaches to perceived local needs
and priorities, carried out within the framework of national strategies;
(5) Major socio-economic policies, plans, programs and projects of different

government agencies must be properly coordinated with the Authority at both the
national and regional levels prior to their adoption, in order to ensure their
consistency with established national priorities and coordination with other policies,
plans, programs and projects of the government; and
(6) The linkage between development planning, programming and budgeting shall
be of the highest priority in planning and budgeting activities.
The Authority, after due consultation with the private sector, community
organizations and beneficiaries, local government units and appropriate public
agencies, shall be responsible for studying, reviewing, formulating and
recommending continuing, coordinated and fully integrated economic and
development policies, plans and programs, including the formulation of annual and
medium-term public investment programs, programming official development
assistance in the form of grants and concessional loans from foreign governments
and multilateral agencies and organizations and the monitoring and evaluation of
plan implementation.
Section 4. Composition of the Authority. - The Authority shall be composed of two

separate and distinct entities: the Board and the Secretariat.
CHAPTER 2 - NEDA BOARD
Section 5. Composition of the NEDA Board. - The NEDA Board shall be composed of
the following:
The President - Chairman

Director-General of the NEDA Secretariat - Vice-Chairman
Executive Secretary - Member
Secretary of Finance - Member
Secretary of Trade & Industry - Member
Secretary of Agriculture - Member
Secretary of Environment & Natural Resources - Member
Secretary of Public Works and Highways - Member
Secretary of Budget and Management - Member
Secretary of Labor & Employment - Member
Secretary of Local Government - Member
The President may, however, revise the membership of the NEDA Board whenever
the same is deemed necessary for the effective performance of the Board's functions
through an administrative or memorandum order.
Section 6. Meetings. - The NEDA Board shall meet at least once a month or as
frequently as is necessary to discharge its responsibilities as called for by the
President. When the President is unable to attend a meeting, the Director-General of
the NEDA may preside as Chairman, in the absence of any Presidential preference.
The President however continues to have the power to designate from among the
members of the NEDA Board the Chairman that can appropriately represent the
President, to preside over specific meetings.
Section 7. National Economic Development Authority Inter-agency Committees. - To

assist the NEDA Board in the performance of its functions, there are hereby created
the following committees which shall hereafter be under the direct control of the
NEDA Board and shall submit all their recommendations to the President for
approval on matters involving their respective concerns. The Chairman of these
committees shall be designated by the President. The NEDA Board shall likewise
determine where the technical staff of the said committees shall be based.
(1) Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) - The DBCC, to be

composed of the Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority
Secretariat, the Executive Secretary and the Secretaries of Finance and of Budget
and Management, shall have the following functions:
(a) Recommend for President's approval the level of the annual government
expenditure program and the ceiling of government spending for economic and
social development, national defense, general government and debt service;
(b) Recommend to the President the proper allocation of expenditures for each
development activity between current operating expenditures and capital outlay;
and
(c) Recommend to the President the amount set to be allocated for capital outlay
under each development activity for the various capital or infrastructure projects.
(2) Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) - The ICC to be composed of the

Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority Secretariat, the
Executive Secretary, the Secretaries of Finance, Agriculture, Trade and Industry and
of Budget and Management and the Governor of the Central Bank shall have the
(a) Evaluate the fiscal, monetary and balance of payments implications of major
national projects and recommend to the President the timetable for the
implementation of these projects on a regular basis; and
(b) Recommend to the President a domestic and foreign borrowing program updated
each year; and subsequently submit to the President a status of fiscal, monetary
and balance of payments implications of major national projects.
(3) Committee on Social Development (SDC) - The SDC to be composed of the

Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority Secretariat, the
Executive Secretary, and the Secretaries of Education, Culture and Sports, Labor
and Employment, Health, Local Government, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and
Social Welfare and Development shall have the following functions:
(a) Advise the President and the NEDA Board on matters concerning social
development, including education, manpower, health and nutrition, population and
family planning, housing, human settlements and the delivery of other social
services;
(b) Coordinate the activities of government agencies concerned with social

development; and
(c) Recommend to the President government policies, programs and projects on

social development consistent with national development objectives and priorities.
(4) Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM) - the INFRACOM to be composed of

the Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority Secretariat,
the Executive Secretary, and the Secretaries of Public Works and Highways,
Transportation and Communications, Finance, and Budget and Management shall
(a) Advise the President and the NEDA Board or matters concerning infrastructure
development including highways, airports, seaports and shore protection; railways;
power generation, transmission and distribution; telecommunications; irrigation,
flood control and drainage; water supply; national buildings for government offices;
hospitals, sanitation and related buildings; state colleges and universities,
elementary and secondary school buildings; and other public works;
(b) Coordinate the activities of agencies, including government-owned or controlled

corporations concerned with infrastructure development; and
(c) Recommend to the President government policies, programs and projects

concerning infrastructure development consistent with national development
objectives and priorities.
(5) Committee on Tariff and Related Matters (TRM) - The TRM to be composed of
the Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority Secretariat,
the Executive Secretary, the Secretaries of Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs,
Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources and Budget and Management, the
Government of the Central Bank and the Chairman of the Tariff Commission shall
(a) Advise the President and the NEDA Board on tariff and related matters, and on
the effects on the country of various international developments;
(b) Coordinate agency positions and recommend national positions for international
economic negotiations; and
(c) Recommend to the President a continuous rationalization program for the

country's tariff structure.
CHAPTER 3 - NEDA SECRETARIAT
Section 8. The NEDA Secretariat. - The Secretariat of NEDA shall have the following
functions:
(1) Serve as the research and technical support arm of the NEDA Board;
(2) Provide through its various organizational units, technical staff support and
assistance, including the conduct of studies and development of policy measures
and other recommendations, on the various aspects of the substantive functions of
development planning and policy formulation, and coordination, evaluation and
monitoring of plan implementation;
(3) Serve as the Secretariat of the NEDA Board; and
(4) Perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the NEDA Board to
achieve its goals and objectives.
Section 9. Structural Organization. - The NEDA Secretariat shall be composed of the

Director-General, three (3) Deputy Directors-General, five (5) Assistant Directors-
General, the National Development Office, the Regional Development Office, the
Central Support Office and the Regional Offices.
Section 10. Director-General. - The Director-General shall head the Secretariat and
shall likewise serve as Vice-Chairman of the NEDA Board. He shall be appointed by
the President and shall carry the rank and title of Secretary of Socio-Economic
Planning and shall be a member of the Cabinet.
As Chief Executive Officer, he shall exercise general supervision and control over its
technical and administrative personnel.
Section 11. Deputy Directors-General. - The Director General shall be assisted by

three (3) Deputy Directors-General to be appointed by the President, one to be
responsible for the National Development Office, one, for the Regional Development
Office and one, for the Central Support Office.
Section 12. Assistant Directors-General. - The Director-General shall also be

assisted by five (5) Assistant Directors-General to be appointed by the President,
who shall be assigned to assist the Deputy Directors-General in their tasks of
coordinating and supervising their respective Offices.
Section 13. National Development Office. - The National Development Office shall
provide technical staff support as may be required by the NEDA Board in
coordinating the formulation of national and sectoral policies, plans and programs;
monitor macro-economic and sectoral performances; prepare the necessary
economic reports; conduct economic and development studies on macro-level plans
and policies; and perform such other appropriate planning tasks as may be assigned
by the Director-General.
It shall be composed of the following:
(1) National Planning and Policy Staff;

(2) Agriculture Staff;
(3) Trade, Industry and Utilities Staff;
(4) Infrastructure Staff;
(5) Social Development Staff; and
(6) Public Investment Staff.
Section 14. Regional Development Office. - The Regional Development Office shall
provide technical staff support as may be required by the implementing agencies in
the regions; monitor regional and inter-regional development policies, plans and
programs; prepare integrated reports on regional planning; conduct studies on
regional development policies; and perform such other planning tasks as may be
assigned by the Director-General.
(1) Regional Development Coordination Staff;

(2) Project Monitoring Staff; and
(3) Regional Offices.
In each of the administrative regions, there shall be a regional office which shall be
headed by a Regional Director who shall report to the Deputy Director-General for
Regional Development Office. The Regional Director shall be appointed by the
President.
Section 15. Central Support Office. - The Central Support Office shall be responsible
for providing technical assistance and support services to the Secretariat's
organizational units in the areas of development administration, internal
management improvement, legal services, development information, administrative
services, and perform such other support service tasks as may be assigned by the
Director-General.
(1) Management Staff;

(2) Legal Staff;
(3) Administrative Staff;
(4) Management Information System Staff; and
(5) Development Information Staff.
Section 16. Retained Agencies. - The following agencies, currently attached to the
Authority, shall continue to be so attached for purposes of supervision;
(1) Philippine Institute for Development Studies:

(2) Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency; and
(3) Tariff Commission.
The Authority shall arrange for the transfer of the functions of the following agencies
to the Regional Development Councils concerned or other agencies as may be
appropriate:
(1) Kalinga Special Development Region;

(2) Laguna Lake Development Authority;
(3) Leyte Sab-A Basin Development Authority.
The National Council for Integrated Area Development (NACIAD) and the Central
Visayas Regional Projects Office (CVRPO) are hereby transferred to the Authority
which shall, within one (1) year from the date of effectivity of this Code, recommend
their transfer to the appropriate department in conjunction with the Department of
Budget and Management. The Authority shall further review the functions and
activities of all other Integrated Area Development programs and projects and any
other programs requiring multi-sectoral and/or multi-disciplinary approaches in
order to recommend the appropriate disposition and supervision of the same.
The Authority shall furthermore review the mandate, objectives and functions of all
development authorities in order to recommend such dispositions or revisions of
their charters, as may be deemed advisable.
BOOK VI - NATIONAL GOVERNMENT BUDGETING
Section 1. Constitutional Policies on the Budget. - (1) All appropriations, revenue or

tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of the public debt, bills of local application, and
private bills shall originate exclusively in the House of Representatives but the
Senate may propose or concur with amendments.
(2) The Congress may not increase the appropriations recommended by the
President for the operation of the Government as specified in the budget. The form,
content and manner of preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by law.
(3) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the general appropriations bill

unless it relates specifically to some particular appropriation to which it relates.
(4) The procedures in approving appropriations for the Congress shall strictly follow
the procedure for approving appropriations for other departments and agencies.
(5) A special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for which it is intended,
and shall be supported by funds actually available as certified by the National
Treasurer or to be raised by a corresponding revenue proposal therein.
(6) No law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations. However, the
President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the heads of Constitutional Commissions
may, by law, be authorized to augment any item in the general appropriations laws
for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective
appropriations.
(7) Discretionary funds appropriated for particular official shall be disbursed only for
public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to such
guidelines as may be prescribed by law.
(8) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the
general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general appropriations law
for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force
and effect until the general appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.
(9) Fiscal autonomy shall be enjoyed by the Judiciary, Constitutional Commissions,

Office of the Ombudsman, Local Government and Commission on Human Rights.
Section 2. Definition of Terms. - When used in this Book:
(1) "Appropriation" refers to an authorization made by law or other legislative

enactment, directing payment out of government funds under specified conditions or
for specified purposes.
(2) "Allotment" refers to an authorization issued by the Department of the Budget to
an agency, which allows it to incur obligation for specified amounts contained in a
legislative appropriation.
(3) "Budget" refers to a financial plan required to be prepared pursuant to Section
16 (1) , Article VIII of the Constitution, reflective of national objectives, strategies
and programs.
(4) "Current operating expenditures" refers to appropriations for the purchase of

goods and services for current consumption or for benefits expected to terminate
within the fiscal year.
(5) "Capital outlay" or "capital expenditures" refers to an appropriation for the

purchase of goods and services, the benefits of which extend beyond the fiscal year
and which add to the assets of the Government, including investments in the capital
of government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
(6) "Continuing appropriation" refers to an appropriation available to support

obligations for a specified purpose or project, even when these obligations are
incurred beyond the budget year.
(7) "Expected result" means service, product, or benefit that will accrue to the
public, estimated in terms of performance measures or targets.
(8) "Fiscal year" refers to the period beginning with the first day of January and
ending with the thirty-first day of December of each calendar year.
(9) The "Government" means the National Government, including the Executive, the
Legislative and the Judicial Branches, and the Constitutional Commissions.
(10) "Department and agency" and "department or agency" include all departments,
bureaus, offices, boards, commissions, courts, tribunals, councils, authorities,
administrations, centers, institutes, state colleges and universities, and all other
establishments and instrumentalities of the National Government as defined in the
preceding paragraph.
(11) "Obligation" refers to an amount committed to be paid by the Government for

any lawful act made by an authorized officer for and in behalf of the Government.
(12) "Program" refers to the functions and activities necessary for the performance
of a major purpose for which a government agency is established.
(13) "Project" means a component of a program covering a homogenous group of

activities that results in the accomplishment of an identifiable output.
CHAPTER 2 - BUDGET POLICY AND APPROACH
Section 3. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

formulate and implement a National Budget that is an instrument of national
development, reflective of national objectives, strategies and plans. The budget shall
be supportive of and consistent with the socio-economic development plan and shall
be oriented towards the achievement of explicit objectives and expected results, to
ensure that funds are utilized and operations are conducted effectively, economically
and efficiently. The national budget shall be formulated within the context of a
regionalized government structure and borrowings of all levels of government and of
government-owned or controlled corporations. The budget shall likewise be prepared
within the context of the national long-term plan and of a long-term budget
program.
Section 4. Planning and Budgeting Linkage. - The budget shall be formulated as an

instrument for the attainment of national development goals and as part of the
planning-programming-budgeting continuum. Levels of revenue, expenditure and
debt shall be established in relation to macro-economic targets of growth,
employment levels, and price level change, and shall be developed consistent with
domestic and foreign debt, domestic credit and balance of payments objectives for
the budget period. The aggregate magnitudes of the budget shall be determined in
close consultation among the planning and fiscal agencies of government. Budgetary
priorities shall be those specified in the approved national plans, keeping in mind the
capability and performance of the implementing agencies concerned. Agency budget
proposals shall explicitly state linkage to approved agency plans.
Section 5. National Resource Budget. - The finances of government shall be

analyzed and determined as the aggregate of revenue, expenditure and debt of all
units of government, including the national government and its agencies and
instrumentalities, local government units and government-owned or controlled

corporations. The national government budget shall be evolved within the
framework of the total impact of government activity on the national economy. The
budgets of government corporations and local governments shall be consistent in
form and timing with that of the national government, to facilitate comprehensive
evaluation.
Section 6. Regional Budgeting. - The budgets of national government agencies shall

take into full and explicit consideration the goals, plans and requirements of their
respective regional offices, in the interest of full government response to local
thinking and initiative. The budget preparation process shall originate at regional
and local levels, and shall be consolidated and reviewed by the central offices of the
various national agencies. The regional development strategies and plans, including
physical framework and resource-use plans, shall be considered in the preparation
of the budget.
Section 7. Long Term Budgeting. - The annual budgets of the national government
shall be prepared as an integral part of a long-term budget picture. The long-term
economic and physical framework plans of government, multi-year requirements of
approved programs and projects, organizational and personnel development
strategies, and other commitments entered into or otherwise assumed by
government shall be specified in the budget process.
Section 8. Development Projects. - The development process requires the

implementation of major development projects of such size as to significantly affect
the infrastructure program, debt ceilings, the balance of payments, domestic credit,
and government expenditure levels. The budget process shall formally consider the
timing of major national projects, in order to ensure the observance of established
fiscal, monetary, international payments, and other constraints.
Section 9. Performance and Financial Review. - The analysis of agency operating

performance, the evaluation of performance, the evaluation of performance relative
to costs incurred and the review of agency operating systems and procedures are
inherent parts of the budget process. Agencies shall therefore design and implement
(1) management information systems yielding both performance and financial
information which will adequately monitor and control budget implementation, and
(2) improvements in operating systems, procedures and practices, so as to ensure
that the targets approved in budget authorization are in fact attained at minimum
cost.
Section 10. Compensation and Position Classification. - The size of personnel

services expenditures relative to the total budget and the number of agencies and
personnel in government call for an effective national compensation and position
classification policy. The Constitutional principle of a single compensation scheme for
the government and its instrumentalities is one of the bases of the government
budget process.
CHAPTER 3 - BUDGET PREPARATION
Section 11. Submission of the Budget. - The President shall, in accordance with
Section 22 (1), article VII of the Constitution, submit within thirty (30) days from
the opening of each regular session of the Congress as the basis for the preparation
of the General Appropriations Act, a national government budget estimated receipts

based on existing and proposed revenue measures, and of estimated expenditures.
The President shall include in the budget submission the proposed expenditure level
of the Legislative and Judicial Branches and of Constitutional bodies, which shall
have undergone the same process of evaluation and which shall have been subject
to the same budgetary policies and standards applicable to agencies in the Executive
Branch.
The President may transmit to the Congress from time to time, such proposed
supplemental or deficiency appropriations as are, in his judgment, (1) necessary on
account of laws enacted after the transmission of the Budget, or (2) otherwise
needed in the public interest.
Section 12. Form and Content of the Budget. - The budget proposal of the President
shall include current operating expenditures and capital outlays. It shall comprise
such funds as may be necessary for the operation of the programs, projects and
activities of the various departments and agencies. The proposed General
Appropriations Act and other Appropriations Acts necessary to cover the budget
proposals shall be submitted to the Congress to accompany the President's budget
submission.
The budget shall be presented to the Congress in such form and content as may be
approved by the President and may include the following:
(1) A budget message setting forth in brief the government's budgetary thrusts for
the budget year, including their impact on development goals, monetary and fiscal
objectives, and generally on the implications of the revenue, expenditure and debt-
proposals; and
(2) Summary financial statements setting forth:
(a) Estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations necessary for the support
of the Government for the ensuing fiscal year, including those financed from
operating revenues and from domestic and foreign borrowings;
(b) Estimated receipts during the ensuing fiscal year under laws existing at the time
the budget is transmitted and under the revenue proposals, if any, forming part of
the year's financing program;
(c) Actual appropriations, expenditures, and receipts during the last completed fiscal
year;
(d) Estimated expenditures and receipts and actual or proposed appropriations
during the fiscal year in progress;
(e) Statements of the condition of the National Treasury at the end of the last
completed fiscal year, the estimated condition of the Treasury at the end of the fiscal
year in progress and the estimated condition of the Treasury at the end of the
ensuing fiscal year, taking into account the adoption of financial proposals contained
in the budget and showing, at the same time, the unencumbered and unobligated
cash resources;
(f) Essential facts regarding the bonded and other long-term obligations and
indebtedness of the Government, both domestic and foreign, including identification
of recipients of loan proceeds; and
(g) Such other financial statements and data as are deemed necessary or desirable
in order to make known in reasonable detail the financial condition of the
government.
Section 13. Budget Levels. - The ordinary income of government shall be used
primarily to provide appropriations for current operations, except in case of a
national emergency or serious financial stress, the existence of which has been duly
proclaimed by the President.
The level of aggregate revenue expenditure and debt shall be jointly recommended
to the President by the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of
Finance, the National Economic and Development Authority and the Central Bank of
the Philippines, acting within the Development Budget Coordination Committee of
the National Economic and Development Authority.
No appropriations for current operations and capital outlays of the Government shall
be proposed unless the amount involved is covered by the ordinary income, or
unless it is supported by a proposal creating additional sources of funds or revenue,
including those generated from domestic and foreign borrowings, sufficient to cover
the same. Likewise, no appropriation for any expenditure, the amount of which is
not covered by the estimated income from the existing sources of revenue or
available current surplus, may be proposed, unless it is supported by a proposal
creating an additional source of funds sufficient to cover the same.
Proposals creating additional sources of funds shall be prepared in the form of

revenue bills.
The provisions of this section shall not be construed as impairing in any way the
power of the Congress to enact revenue and appropriation bills, nor the authority of
the President to propose special revenue and appropriation bills after the submission
of the budget.
Section 14. Budget Estimates. - Each head of department, office or agency of the
National Government, including the Legislative and Judicial Branches, and including
government owned or controlled corporations, shall submit his request for
appropriations to the Department of Budget in accordance with the budget calendar,
format, and such rules and regulations as may be issued in implementation of this
Decree.
The budget estimates of agencies shall include the following information:
(1) Objectives, functions, activities, programs and projects showing the general
character and relative importance of the work to be accomplished or the services to
be rendered, and the principal elements of cost involved;
(2) Linkage of the work and financial proposals to approved development plans;
(3) Estimated current operating expenditures and capital outlays, with comparative
data for the preceding and current budget years;
(4) Identification by region, pursuant to policies on the regionalization of

government operations;
(5) Financial sources, reflecting all revenues, proceeds of foreign and domestic
borrowings, and other sources, particularly those which accrue to the General
Funds;
(6) Contingent liabilities, including national government guarantees of obligations of

government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries;
(7) Brief description of the major thrusts and priority programs and projects for the
budget year, results expected for each budgetary program and project, the nature of
work to be performed, estimated costs per unit of work measurement, including the
various objects of expenditure for each project;
(8) Organization charts and staffing patterns indicating the list of existing and
proposed positions with corresponding salaries, and proposals for position
classification and salary changes, duly supported by adequate justification.
Section 15. Regional Budget. - The Budgets of national government agencies shall
be prepared taking into full and careful consideration the opportunities and
requirements specific to the various regions of the country. Where they are
organized, regional offices shall originate agency budget proposals, in accordance
with approved priorities and guidelines.
Agencies which are not regionalized shall nonetheless estimate the amounts planned
to be spent for each region of the country.
The Secretary shall identify by region the expenditure programs of the national
government agencies in the national government budget, and release funds to
national government agencies in accordance with the approved regional distribution
of expenditures, specifying the region of destination.
Departments and agencies shall sub-allot in full and without the imposition of
reserves, the approved budget allocation of their various regional offices, except as
may be authorized by the Secretary, in case realignment of expenditures prove to
be necessary in the course of budget execution. The Secretary shall issue the rules
and regulations needed to implement the provisions of this section.
Section 16. Budget Evaluation. - Agency proposals shall be reviewed on the basis of
their own merits and not on the basis of a given percentage or peso increase or
decrease from a prior year's budget level, or other similar rule of thumb that is not
based on specific justification. Proposed activities, whether new or ongoing, shall be
evaluated using a zero-base approach and on the basis of (1) relationship with the
approved development plan, (2) agency capability as demonstrated by past
performance, (3) complemental role with related activities of other agencies, and
(4) other similar criteria. The realization of savings in a given budget year and the
consequent non-utilization of funds appropriated or released to a given agency shall
not be a negative factor in the budget evaluation for a subsequent year.
Section 17. Foreign-Assisted Projects. - The budgetary implications of foreign-

assisted projects shall be explicitly considered at the time of project design and
financing negotiation. The project study shall specify the cash flow requirements of
the project, among others, for (1) payment of principal and interest, (2) peso
component of capital costs and project preparation, (3) infrastructure and support
facilities needed to be directly financed by government, (4) operating and other
expenditures which will be ultimately required for General Fund support when the
project is implemented, and (5) peso requirements needed as counterpart. The
concurrence of the Department of Budget and Management shall be obtained with
respect to peso requirements and implication on expenditure ceilings.
Section 18. Coordinating Bodies. - The budgets of coordinating agencies, councils,

task forces, authorities, committees, or other similar bodies shall be limited to and
used to fund only such planning, coordinating and monitoring functions as are
assigned to it. Funds for implementation shall be budgeted and released to the line
implementing agencies concerned; provided, that the budgets of coordinating bodies
may include a lump-sum for purposes related to their assigned functions, which
lump-sum shall be sub-allotted to implementing agencies and not used by the
agency for its own operations: provided, further, that funds budgeted for a given
agency falling within the jurisdiction of a coordinating body, may be subject to
release upon approval by the coordinating agency of such release or of the agency's
work program.
Section 19. Budgetary Requirements of Government-Owned or Controlled

Corporations. - The internal operating budgets of government-owned or controlled
corporations and of chartered institutions shall be approved by their respective
governing boards in accordance with a budget calendar and format as may be
approved by the President: Provided, that such budgets shall be subject to review
and approval as part of the budget process in cases where national government
budgetary support is needed, in terms of (a) capital or equity inputs, (b) operating
contributions to support specific activities undertaken by the institution as part of its
regular functions, and (c) guarantee of the national government for obligations or
contracts entered into by the corporations: provided, further, that the submission of
interim financial statements may be required by the Secretary.
Section 20. Tax and Duty Exemptions. - All units of government, including
government-owned or controlled corporations, shall pay income taxes, customs
duties and other taxes and fees as are imposed under revenue law: provided, that
organizations otherwise exempted by law for the payment of such taxes/duties may
ask for a subsidy from the General Fund in the exact amount of taxes/duties due:
Provided, further, that a procedure shall be established by the Secretary of Finance
and the Secretary of the Budget, whereby such subsidies shall automatically be
considered as both revenue and expenditure of the General Fund.
Section 21. Appropriation for Personal Services. - Appropriations for personal

services shall be considered as included in the amount specified for each budgetary
program and project of each department, Bureau, office or agency, and shall not be
itemized. The itemization of personal services shall be prepared by the Secretary for
consideration and approval of the President as provided in Section 23 hereof:
Provided, That itemization of personal services shall be prepared for all agencies of
the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches and the Constitutional bodies,
except as may be otherwise approved by the President for positions concerned with
national security matters.
Section 22. Department Approval of Proposed Appropriations. - No legislative

proposal which, if enacted, would authorized subsequent appropriations, shall be
transmitted to the President by any bureau or agency without the prior approval of
the Head of the Department concerned or by the Chairman or Chief Executive
Officer of a Cabinet level body which coordinates the multi-sectoral formulation and
implementation of a particular program of expenditure involving one or more
departments. No legislative proposal involving the appropriation of funds shall be
transmitted to the Congress without the approval of the President.
CHAPTER 4 - BUDGET AUTHORIZATION
Section 23. Content of the General Appropriations Act. - The General Appropriations
Act shall be presented in the form of budgetary programs and projects for each
agency of the government, with the corresponding appropriations for each program
and project, including statutory provisions of specific agency or general applicability.
The General Appropriations Act shall not contain any itemization of personal
services, which shall be prepared by the Secretary after enactment of the General
Appropriations Act, for consideration and approval of the President.
Section 24. Prohibition Against the Increase of Appropriation. - The Congress shall in
no case increase the appropriation of any project or program of any department,
bureau, agency or office of the Government over the amount submitted by the
President in his budget proposal. In case of any reduction in the proposed
appropriation for a project or program, a corresponding reduction shall be made in
the total appropriation of the department, office or agency concerned and in the
total of the General Appropriations Bill.
Section 25. Prohibition Against Enactment of Additional Special Provisions. - The

Congress shall not add special provisions in the budget earmarking the use of
appropriations for specific programs or activities nor shall it increase the amounts
specified in special provisions beyond those proposed by the President.
Section 26. Automatic Appropriations. - All expenditures for (1) personnel
retirement premiums, government service insurance, and other similar fixed
expenditures, (2) principal and interest on public debt, (3) national government
guarantees of obligations which are drawn upon, are automatically appropriated:
provided, that no obligations shall be incurred or payments made from funds thus
automatically appropriated except as issued in the form of regular budgetary
allotments.
Section 27. Supplemental Appropriations. - All appropriation proposals shall be

included and considered in the budget preparation process. After the President shall
have submitted the Budget, no supplemental appropriation measure supported from
existing revenue measures shall be passed by the Congress. However, supplemental
or deficiency appropriations involving the creation of new offices, programs or
activities may be enacted if accompanied and supported by new revenue sources.
Section 28. Reversion of Unexpended Balances of Appropriations, Continuing
Appropriations. - Unexpended balances of appropriations authorized in the General
Appropriation Act shall revert to the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund at
the end of the fiscal year and shall not thereafter be available for expenditure except
by subsequent legislative enactment: Provided, that appropriations for capital
outlays shall remain valid until fully spent or reverted: provided, further, that
continuing appropriations for current operating expenditures may be specifically
recommended and approved as such in support of projects whose effective
implementation calls for multi-year expenditure commitments: provided, finally, that
the President may authorize the use of savings realized by an agency during given
year to meet non-recurring expenditures in a subsequent year.
The balances of continuing appropriations shall be reviewed as part of the annual

budget preparation process and the preparation process and the President may
approve upon recommendation of the Secretary, the reversion of funds no longer

needed in connection with the activities funded by said continuing appropriations.
Section 29. Loan Proceeds. - Expenditures funded by foreign and domestic

borrowings shall be included within the expenditure program of the agency
concerned. Loan proceeds, whether in cash or in kind, shall not be used without the
corresponding release of funds through a Special Budget as herein provided.
Section 30. Contingent Liabilities. - Government agencies, particularly government-

owned or controlled corporations, shall periodically report to the Secretary of
Finance and the Secretary of Budget on the status of obligations they have entered
into and which are the subject of government guarantees.
Section 31. Liability for Unauthorized Printing Press Revisions. - It shall be unlawful
for any person to make any unauthorized revision of any figure, text or provision in
the General Appropriations Act and in the other budget documents during or in the
process of the printing. Any unauthorized change made either by addition,
modification or deletion, shall be null and void.
Persons who, in violation of this section, make any unauthorized revision in the
budget documents, shall be criminally liable for falsification of legislative documents
under the Revised Penal Code. When the offender is a government official or
employee, he shall, in addition to criminal prosecution, be dismissed from the
service.
CHAPTER 5 - BUDGET EXECUTION
Section 32. Use of Appropriated Funds. - All moneys appropriated for functions,
activities, projects and programs shall be available solely for the specific purposes
for which these are appropriated.
Section 33. Allotment of Appropriations. - Authorized appropriations shall be allotted

in accordance with the procedure outlined hereunder:
(1) Appropriations authorized for any Department or agency of the Government may
be made available for expenditure when the head of each Department or agency
submits to the Secretary a request for allotment of funds showing the estimated
amounts needed for each function, activity or purpose for which the funds are to be
expended during the applicable allotment period. The form and the time of
submission of the request for allotment showing the proposed quarterly allotments
of the whole authorized appropriation for the department or agency, shall be
prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) In the administration of the allotment system herein provided, each calendar
year shall be divided into four quarterly allotment periods beginning, respectively,
on the first day of January, April, July and October. In any case where the quarterly
allotment period is found to be impractical or otherwise undesirable, the Secretary
may prescribe a different period suited to the circumstances.
(3) Request for allotment shall be approved by the Secretary who shall ensure that
expenditures are covered by appropriations both as to amount and purpose and who
shall consider the probable needs of the department or agency for the remainder of
the fiscal year or period for which the appropriation was made.
(4) At the end of every quarter, each department or agency shall report to the
Secretary the current status of its appropriations, the cumulative allotments,
obligations incurred or liquidated, total disbursements, unliquidated obligations and
unexpended balances and the results of expended appropriations.
(5) Releases of funds appropriated for a given agency may be made to its regional
offices if dictated by the need and urgency of regional activities.
(6) The Secretary shall have authority to modify or amend any allotment previously
issued. In case he shall find at any time that the probable receipts from taxes or
other sources of any fund will be less than anticipated and that as a consequence
the amount available for the remainder of the term of the appropriations or for any
allotment period will be less than the amount estimated or allotted therefor, he
shall, with the approval of the President and after notice to the department or
agency concerned, reduce the amount or amounts allotted so as to conform to the
targeted budgetary goals.
(7) The Secretary shall maintain a control record showing quarterly by funds,
accounts, and other suitable classifications, the amounts appropriated; the
estimated revenues, the actual revenues or receipts, the amounts allotted and
available for expenditures, the unliquidated obligations, actual balances on hand,
and the unencumbered balance of the allotments for each department or agency of
the Government.
Section 34. Program of Expenditure. - The Secretary of Budget shall recommend to

the President the year's program of expenditure for each agency of the government
on the basis of authorized appropriations. The approved expenditure program shall
constitute the basis for fund release during the fiscal period, subject to such policies,
rules and regulations as may be approved by the President.
Section 35. Special Budgets for Lump-Sum Appropriations. - Expenditures from

lump-sum appropriations authorized for any purpose or for any department, office
or agency in any annual General Appropriations Act or other Act and from any fund
of the National Government, shall be made in accordance with a special budget to
be approved by the President, which shall include but shall not be limited to the
number of each kind of position, the designations, and the annual salary proposed
for which an appropriation is intended. This provision shall be applicable to all
revolving funds, receipts which are automatically made available for expenditure for
certain specific purposes, aids and donations for carrying out certain activities, or
deposits made to cover to cost of special services to be rendered to private parties.
Unless otherwise expressly provided by law, when any Board, head of department,
chief of bureau or office, or any other official, is authorized to appropriate, allot,
distribute or spend any lump-sum appropriation or special, bond, trust, and other
funds, such authority shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
In case of any lump-sum appropriation for salaries and wages of temporary and
emergency laborers and employees, including contractual personnel, provided in any
General Appropriation Act or other Acts, the expenditure of such appropriation shall
be limited to the employment of persons paid by the month, by the day, or by the
hour.
Section 36. Cash Budgets. - An operational cash budget shall be implemented to

ensure the availability of cash resources for priority development projects and to
establish a sound basis for determining the level, type and timing of public
borrowings. The procedure, formal, accounts, and other details necessary for the
execution, monitoring and control aspects of the system shall be determined jointly
by the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of the Budget and the Chairman of the
Commission on Audit.
Section 37. Creation of Appropriation Reserves. - The Secretary may establish

reserves against appropriations to provide for contingencies and emergencies which
may arise later in the calendar year and which would otherwise require deficiency
appropriations.
The establishment of appropriation reserves shall not necessarily mean that such
portion of the appropriation will not be made available for expenditure. Should
conditions change during the fiscal year justifying the use of the reserve, necessary
adjudgments may be made by the Secretary when requested by the department,
official or agency concerned.
Section 38. Suspension of Expenditure of Appropriations. - Except as otherwise

provided in the General Appropriations Act and whenever in his judgment the public
interest so requires, the President, upon notice to the head of office concerned, is
authorized to suspend or otherwise stop further expenditure of funds allotted for
any agency, or any other expenditure authorized in the General Appropriations Act,
except for personal services appropriations used for permanent officials and
employees.
Section 39. Authority to Use Savings in Appropriations to Cover Deficits. - Except as

otherwise provided in the General Appropriations Act, any savings in the regular
appropriations authorized in the General Appropriations Act for programs and
projects of any department, office or agency, may, with the approval of the
President, be used to cover a deficit in any other item of the regular appropriations:
provided, that the creation of new positions or increase of salaries shall not be
allowed to be funded from budgetary savings except when specifically authorized by
law: provided, further, that whenever authorized positions are transferred from one
program or project to another within the same department, office or agency, the
corresponding amounts appropriated for personal services are also deemed
transferred, without, however increasing the total outlay for personal services of the
department, office or agency concerned.
Section 40. Certification of Availability of Funds. - No funds shall be disbursed, and

no expenditures or obligations chargeable against any authorized allotment shall be
incurred or authorized in any department, office or agency without first securing the
certification of its Chief Accountant or head of accounting unit as to the availability
of funds and the allotment to which the expenditure or obligation may be properly
charged.
No obligation shall be certified to accounts payable unless the obligation is founded

on a valid claim that is properly supported by sufficient evidence and unless there is
proper authority for its incurrence. Any certification for a non-existent or fictitious
obligation and/or creditor shall be considered void. The certifying official shall be
dismissed from the service, without prejudice to criminal prosecution under the
provisions of the Revised Penal Code. Any payment made under such certification
shall be illegal and every official authorizing or making such payment, or taking part
therein or receiving such payment, shall be jointly and severally liable to the
government for the full amount so paid or received.
Section 41. Prohibition Against the Incurrence of Overdraft. - Heads of departments,

bureaus, offices and agencies shall not incur nor authorize the incurrence of
expenditures or obligations in excess of allotments released by the Secretary for
their respective departments, offices and agencies. Parties responsible for the
incurrence of overdrafts shall be held personally liable therefor.
Section 42. Adjustment of Appropriations for Reorganization. - When under

authority of law, a function or an activity is transferred or assigned from one agency
to another, the balances of appropriations which are determined by the head of such
department to be available and necessary to finance or discharge the function or
activity so transferred or assigned may, with the approval of the President, be
transferred to and be made available for use by the agency to which said function or
activity is transferred or assigned for the purpose for which said funds were
originally available. Balances so transferred shall be credited to any applicable
existing appropriation account or to new appropriation accounts which are hereby
authorized to be established, and shall be merged with any fund already in the
applicable existing or newly established appropriation account or accounts and
thereafter accounted for as one fund.
The funding requirement of agencies reorganized in accordance with approved

reorganization plans or reorganized pursuant to law enacted after the approval of
the General Appropriations Act, are deemed appropriated and shall be available for
expenditure as soon as the reorganization plans are approved. The Secretary of
Budget is hereby authorized to make necessary adjustments in the appropriations to
carry out the provisions of this section. The department head concerned, with the
approval of the Secretary of Budget, is hereby authorized to make necessary salary
adjustments resulting from final selection of personnel to fill the positions in the
staffing patterns of reorganized agencies, to make necessary salary adjustments
resulting from new appointments, promotions or salary increases, subject to the
provisions of Presidential Decree No. 985.
Section 43. Liability for Illegal Expenditures. - Every expenditure or obligation

authorized or incurred in violation of the provisions of this Code or of the general
and special provisions contained in the annual General or other Appropriations Act
shall be void. Every payment made in violation of said provisions shall be illegal and
every official or employee authorizing or making such payment, or taking part
therein, and every person receiving such payment shall be jointly and severally
liable to the Government for the full amount so paid or received.
Any official or employee of the Government knowingly incurring any obligation, or

authorizing any expenditure in violation of the provisions herein, or taking part
therein, shall be dismissed from the service, after due notice and hearing by the
duly authorized appointing official. If the appointing official is other than the
President and should he fail to remove such official or employee, the President may
exercise the power of removal.
Section 44. Accrual of Income to Unappropriated Surplus of the General Fund. -

Unless otherwise specifically provided by law, all income accruing to the

departments, offices and agencies by virtue of the provisions of existing laws, orders
and regulations shall be deposited in the National Treasury or in the duly authorized
depository of the Government and shall accrue to the unappropriated surplus of the
General Fund of the Government: Provided, That amounts received in trust and from
business-type activities of government may be separately recorded and disbursed in
accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by the Permanent
Committee created under this Act.
Section 45. Special, Fiduciary and Trust Funds. - Receipts shall be recorded as
income of Special, Fiduciary or Trust Funds or Funds other than the General Fund,
only when authorized by law and following such rules and regulations as may be
issued by a Permanent Committee consisting of the Secretary of Finance as
Chairman, and the Secretary of the Budget and the Chairman, Commission on Audit,
as members. The same Committee shall likewise monitor and evaluate the activities
and balances of all Funds of the national government other than the General fund
and may recommend for the consideration and approval of the President, the
reversion to the General fund of such amounts as are (1) no longer necessary for
the attainment of the purposes for which said Funds were established, (2) needed
by the General fund in times of emergency, or (3) violative of the rules and
regulations adopted by the Committee: provided, that the conditions originally
agreed upon at the time the funds were received shall be observed in case of gifts
or donations or other payments made by private parties for specific purposes.
Section 46. Service Fees and Honoraria. - Agencies are authorized to charge fees,
including honoraria and other reasonable allowances, as compensation for
consultation, seminars or training programs, or technical services rendered to other
government agencies or private parties. Such fees or honoraria shall be recorded as
income of the government and subject to the usual accounting, auditing and other
pertinent requirements.
Section 47. Administration of Lump Sum Funds. - The Department of Budget shall
administer the Lump-Sum Funds appropriated in the General Appropriations Act,
except as otherwise specified therein, including the issuance of Treasury Warrants
covering payments to implementing agencies or other creditors, as may be
authorized by the President.
Section 48. Cost Reduction. - Each head of a department bureau, office or agency
shall implement a cost reduction program for his department bureau, office or
agency for the purpose of reducing cost of operations and shall submit to the
President reports on the results of the implementation thereof. The Department of
Budget shall provide technical and other necessary assistance in the design and
implementation of cost reduction activities. An incentive award not exceeding one
month's salary may be granted to any official or employee whose suggestion for cost
reduction has been adopted and shall have actually resulted in cost reduction,
payable from the saving resulting therefrom.
Section 49. Authority to Use Savings for Certain Purposes. - Savings in the
appropriations provided in the General Appropriations Act may be used for the
settlement of the following obligations incurred during a current fiscal year or
previous fiscal years as may be approved by Secretary in accordance with rules and
procedures as may be approved by the President:
(1) Claims of officials, employees and laborers who died or were injured in line of
duty, including burial expenses as authorized under existing law;
(2) Commutation of terminal leaves of employees due to retirement, resignation or

separation from the service through no fault of their own in accordance with the
provisions of existing law, including unpaid claims for commutation of maternity
leave of absence;
(3) Payment of retirement gratuities or separation pay of employees separated from

the service due to government reorganization;
(4) Payment of salaries of employees who have been suspended or dismissed as a

result of administrative or disciplinary action, or separated from the service through
no fault of their own and who have been subsequently exonerated and reinstated by
virtue of decisions of competent authority;
(5) Cash awards to deserving officials and employees in accordance with civil service
law;
(6) Salary adjustments of officials and employees as a result of classification action

under, and implementation of, the provisions of the Compensation and Position
Classification Act, including positions embraced under the Career Executive Service;
(7) Peso support to any undertaking that may be entered into by the government
with international organizations, including administrative and other incidental
expenses;
(8) Covering any deficiency in peso counterpart fund commitments for foreign
assisted projects, as may be approved by the President;
(9) Priority activities that will promote the economic well being of the nation,
including food production, agrarian reform, energy development, disaster relief, and
rehabilitation.
(10) Repair, improvement and renovation of government buildings and infrastructure

and other capital assets damaged by natural calamities;
(11) Expenses in connection with official participation in trade fairs, civic parades,
celebrations, athletic competitions and cultural activities, and payment of expenses
for the celebration of regular or special official holidays;
(12) Payment of obligations of the government or any of its departments or

agencies as a result of final judgment of the Courts; and
(13) Payment of valid prior year's obligations of government agencies with any other
government office or agency, including government-owned or controlled
corporations.
Section 50. Appointment of Budget Officers. - No person shall be appointed as

budget officer in any department, bureau, office or agency unless he meets the
qualification and training requirements established by the Budget Commission as
prerequisite to appointment, in addition to other qualification requirements

prescribed by the Civil Service Commission for the position.
CHAPTER 6 - Budget Accountability
Section 51. Evaluation of Agency Performance. - The President, through the

Secretary shall evaluate on a continuing basis the quantitative and qualitative
measures of agency performance as reflected in the units of work measurement and
other indicators of agency performance, including the standard and actual costs per
unit of work.
Section 52. Budget Monitoring and Information System. - The Secretary of Budget
shall determine accounting and other items of information, financial or otherwise,
needed to monitor budget performance and to assess effectiveness of agencies
operations and shall prescribe the forms, schedule of submission, and other
components of reporting systems, including the maintenance of subsidiary and other
recording which will enable agencies to accomplish and submit said information
requirements: provided, that the Commission on Audit shall, in coordination with the
Secretary of Budget, issue rules and regulations that may be applicable when the
reporting requirements affect accounting functions of agencies: provided, further,
that the applicable rules and regulations shall be issued by the Commission on Audit
within a period of thirty (30) days after the Department of Budget and Management
prescribes the reporting requirements.
Section 53. Monitoring of Expenditures. - Expenditures of national government

agencies shall be recorded so as to identify expenditures as classified into such
categories as may be determined by the Department of Budget and Management,
including but not limited to the following: (1) agency incurring the obligation, (2)
program, project and activity, (3) object of expenditure, including personal services,
operating and maintenance expenditures, equipment, and capital outlays, (4) region
or locality of use, (5) economic or functional classification of the expenditure, (6)
obligational authority and cash transactions arising from fund releases, and such
other classifications as may be necessary for the budget process. The Secretary of
Budget shall determine the data and information requirements thus needed and the
Commission on Audit shall formulate the accounting rules and regulations, including
changes in the Chart of Accounts and the general or subsidiary accounting records,
as may be necessary to generate the desired data and information. The Chief
Accountants of agencies and where necessary, accountants of regional offices, shall
submit the data needed by the Department of Budget and Management in
accordance with such rules and regulations as it may formulate.
Section 54. Standard Costs. - The Department of Budget and Management shall
develop standard costs for duly approved units of work measurement for each
agency's budgetary projects or activities. These standard costs shall be compared
with actual unit costs and utilized in the evaluation of agency budgetary
performance.
Section 55. Review of Budgetary Programs. - The Secretary of Budget shall conduct
a continuing review of the budgetary program and project structure of each
department, office or agency, the result of which shall be the basis for modifying or
amending such structure for incorporation in the President's budget proposals to the
Congress.
Section 56. Semi-Annual Report on Accomplishments of Government Agencies. -

The heads of departments, bureaus, offices or agencies of the government shall
submit a semi-annual report of their accomplishments, both work and financial
results, in accordance with such content and format as may be prescribed by the
Secretary. These reports shall be designed and use for the purpose of monitoring
the efficiency and effectiveness with which budgeted funds are being utilized, and
generally for verifying the attainment of goals established in the budget process.
Section 57. Failure to Submit Reports. - Failure on the part of agency heads, chief
accountants, budget officers, cashiers, disbursing officers, administrative and
personnel officers, and responsible officers of departments, bureaus, offices and
agencies to submit trial balances, work and financial plans, special Budgets, reports
of operation and income, plans, special budgets, reports of operation and income,
current agency plantilla of personnel and such other reports as may be necessary
and required by the Department of Budget shall automatically cause the suspension
of payment of their salaries until they have complied with the requirements of the
Department of Budget. No appropriation authorized in the General Appropriations
Act shall be made available to pay the salary of any official or employee who
violates the provisions of this section, in addition to any disciplinary action that may
be instituted against such erring official or employee.
CHAPTER 7 - Expenditure of Appropriate Funds
Section 58. Contracting of Activities. - Agencies may enter into contracts with
individuals or organizations, both public and private, subject to provisions of law and
applicable guidelines approved by the President: provided, that contracts shall be for
specific services which cannot be provided by the regular staff of the agency, shall
be for a specific period of time, and shall have a definite expected output: provided,
further, that implementing, monitoring and other regular and recurring agency
activities shall not be contracted for, except for personnel hired on an individual and
contractual basis and working as part of the organization, or as otherwise may be
approved by the President: Provided, finally, that the cost of contracted services
shall not exceed the amount that would otherwise be incurred had the work been
performed by regular employees of government, except as may be authorized under
this section.
Section 59. Authority to Receive Additional Compensation. - Officials and employees

who are duly appointed by competent authority to any position in another
government office or agency in a concurrent capacity, may, in the discretion of the
President, be allowed to receive additional compensation in the form of allowance or
honorarium at such rates he shall fix and subject to such conditions as he may
prescribe. Such additional compensation shall be paid from the appropriations of the
office or agency benefitting from the concurrent service.
Section 60. Restrictions on Salary Increases. - No portion of the appropriations

provided in the General Appropriations Act shall be used for payment of any salary
increase or adjustment unless specifically authorized by law or appropriate budget
circular nor shall any appropriation for salaries authorized in the General
Appropriations Act, save as otherwise provided for under the Compensation and
Position Classification Act, be paid unless the positions have been classified by the
Budget Commission.
Section 61. Merit Increases. - The budgets of national government agencies may
provide for a lump-sum for merit increases, subject to such terms and conditions as
may be approved by the President. Such lump-sum shall be used to fund salary
increases approved by the head of agency in recognition of meritorious
performance: Provided, That the Civil Service Commission and the Department of
Budget shall jointly issue the rules and regulations governing the granting of such
merit increases.
Section 62. Salary for Substitutionary Service. - When an official or employee is

issued a duly approved appointment in a temporary or acting capacity to take the
place and perform the duties of another who is temporarily absent from his post
with pay, savings in the appropriations of the department, bureau or office may be
used for the payment of his salary or differential, subject to the approval of the
Secretary.
Section 63. Additional Compensation for Overtime Service. - Officials and employees
of the National Government, when required to work overtime after regular working
hours during ordinary days, during half-day sessions, or on Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays, by the heads of departments concerned, to finish work that must be
completed within a specified time, may be paid overtime compensation from any
unexpected balance of the appropriation for salaries and wages authorized in the
General Appropriations Act and under such guidelines as may be issued by the
President.
Section 64. Compensation of Persons Receiving Pension. - A person receiving life

pension, annuity, or gratuity as a result of service in the national government or any
local government unit, or from any government-owned or controlled corporation,
who is reappointed to any position, the appropriation for the salary of which is
provided from funds of the office, shall have the option to receive either the
compensation for the position, or the pension, gratuity or annuity, but in no case
shall he receive both.
Section 65. Prohibition of Voluntary Service. - Unless otherwise specifically approved

by the President, no person shall be employed or appointed in the government
under the guise of voluntary service, with compensation below the authorized hiring
rate for the position, but with privilege of transportation and/or representation
expenses in any form, or of receiving per diems, allowances, honoraria, subsistence,
quarters in cash or in kind, payable from government funds: provided, that the
application of this provisions may be waived to authorize voluntary service in the
Armed Forces of the Philippines or in connection with relief operations.
Section 66. Additional Compensation for School Faculty Members. - Professors,

instructors, teachers, or members of the faculty of government schools, colleges and
universities, when required to teach more than their regular teaching loads may be
paid additional compensation not exceeding seventy-five percentum of their basic
salary.
Section 67. Laundry. - At the discretion of the department head concerned, any
official or employee of the national government serving in any hospital, penal
institution, or other similar institution, who is required to wear a uniform during the
performance of his duties, may be granted laundry allowance in kind, or which may
be commuted at such rates as may be authorized by the Department of Budget.
Section 68. Hazard Pay. - Upon recommendation of the department head concerned
and approval of the Secretary, hazard pay may be allowed to employees who are
actually assigned to danger or strife-torn areas, disease-infested places, or in
distressed or isolated stations and camps, which expose them to great danger of
contagion or peril to life. Such hazard pay shall be paid from savings of the
department concerned at such rates, terms and conditions as the Secretary may
prescribe.
Section 69. Subsistence. - No official or employee of the national government shall
be given subsistence, the cost of which is payable from any fund, except the
following and only when an appropriation therefor is specifically provided:
(1) Marine officers, engineers and crew of government vessels, launches, and
motorboats, who shall take their meals on the mess when aboard the said vessels,
launches, or motorboats;
(2) Lightkeepers and other employees in light stations duly authorized by the head
of the department to receive subsistence, who shall be furnished raw canned, or
preserved food supplies;
(3) Officials and employees who are required to render service within the premises
of hospitals, penal institutions, leper institutions, military installations, and other
similar institutions, for a continuous period that includes meal time, may be allowed
full subsistence when required to live in said premises to make their services
available at any and all times;
(4) Laborers temporarily fielded to isolated or unsettled districts shall be furnished

the usual rations or the equivalent in cash, at the expense of the government.
In hospitals and leper institutions where there are no mess halls or whenever these
are inadequate, personnel entitled to subsistence allowance in kind may commute
such subsistence upon request of the personnel concerned subject to the approval of
the department head at authorized rates chargeable against the appropriations for
supplies and materials authorized in the General Appropriations Act.
Section 70. Subsistence of Crew of Government Vessels. - The subsistence

allowance for the officers and crew of the coast guard and revenue cutters and
lighthouse tenders and other large vessels operated by the Government shall be
spent for conducting a mess under the charge and administration of one or more
members of the complement in each vessel to be designated by the corresponding
head of department, and in accordance with regulations to be issued by him. The
person or persons so designated shall keep an account of the advances of funds
received and expenditures made therefrom for the operation of the mess and shall
render such report to the corresponding Accounting Officer promptly at the end of
each month.
Section 71. Furnished Quarters. - When the position of any official or employee is
provided with "furnished quarters", such official or employee shall be entitled to the
use of such government-owned furniture and equipment as are necessary for his
board and lodging and those for his family including children below twenty-one
years of age.
Section 72. Per Diems of Government Officials and Employees. - When a

government official or employee is authorized to travel on official business outside of
his permanent station, he shall be entitled to per diems to cover his board and
lodging in accordance with his schedule: provided, that in addition to per diems, the
official or employee may be entitled to transportation expenses in going to and
coming from his destination and to a daily allowance while in the field: provided,
further, that officials and employees on travel status whose expenses for board and
lodging are paid directly or indirectly by government may not be entitled to receive
the per diems and allowances corresponding to such payments.
Department secretaries, heads of Constitutional bodies, undersecretaries and all

other positions of equivalent rank are authorized the reimbursement of actual
expenses supported by receipts, within such limits as may be imposed under the
provisions of this section.
Officials and employees authorized to travel abroad may be granted clothing

allowance: provided, that no official or employee shall be granted such clothing
allowance oftener than once every twenty-four (24) months.
The rates of per diems and other allowances as authorized in this section shall be
determined by the President. The rates may be changed from time to time upon
recommendation of a Travel Rates Committee which is hereby created, consisting of
the Secretary of Budget as Chairman and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the
Secretary of Tourism and the Chairman, Commission on Audit, or their
representatives, as members.
The Committee shall review travel rates and shall recommend to the President for
consideration and approval modification in rates and policy when found to be
warranted by actual domestic or foreign travel costs, as the case may be.
Government-owned or controlled corporations shall observe the rates established

under this section: provided, that profit making corporations may adopt their own
scales as may be provided by law. The Travel Rates Committee shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations to enforce the provisions of this section.
Section 73. Additional Conditions for Payment of Travel Expenses. - When travel is
done by water and subsistence is not included in the transportation cost, the
amount actually and necessarily spent for subsistence during such travel time shall
be paid, and no per diems shall be allowed in lieu thereof.
Per diems and travel allowances shall not be granted to members of field parties or
others for whom subsistence and allowances in kind are supplied or other special
provision made to cover travel expenses.
The travel expenses of a government official or employee who is assigned to render

a special service to any private person or entity, the expenses for which are payable
by the latter, shall be paid from a deposit which the private party shall be required
to make before the performance of the special service is commenced, subject to the
limitations and requirements herein provided for travel expenses payable from
government funds.
No official or employee of the Government who remains temporarily at one station

for a period longer than one (1) month shall be paid per diems in excess of one (1)
month, except upon the approval of the head of department, and, in case his
temporary stay in any one place exceeds three (3) months, payment of per diems in
excess of three (3) months shall be made only upon the previous approval of the
Secretary.
Section 74. Transportation of Members of Family of an Employee Transferred from

One Station to Another. - Whenever, due to the exigencies of the service and not at
his own request, an official or employee is transferred from one station to another,
said official or employee and his spouse and children below twenty-one years of age
shall be entitled to transportation and freight for reasonable and necessary baggage
and household effects, at the expense of the Government, to be paid from the
appropriation for traveling expenses of the bureau or office concerned.
Section 75. Purchase, Use, Operation and Maintenance of Motor Transport

Equipment. - No appropriation for equipment authorized in the General
Appropriations Act shall be used directly or indirectly for the purchase of
automobiles, jeeps, jitneys, station wagons, motorcycles, trucks, launches,
speedboats, airplanes, helicopters and other types of motor transport equipment
unless otherwise specifically authorized by the President.
All departments, bureaus, offices and agencies authorized to purchase motor

transport equipment including those acquired through donations, gifts or gratuitous
title are likewise authorized to use, operate and maintain them for purposes of
carrying out the official functions and activities of the agency. These motor vehicles
shall be used strictly for official business, bear government plates only, and after
office hours kept in garage provided therefor by the office or agency to which they
belong, except, when in use for official business outside office hours. The President,
however, may authorize exceptions from these provisions for officials of government
who work under extended hours or whose activities call for special security
arrangements. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall subject the erring
official or employee to administrative disciplinary action and he shall be personally
liable for any loss or damage caused to the government or third persons.
The Commission on Audit shall issue rules and regulations governing the use,
operation and maintenance of government motor transport equipment.
Section 76. Limitation of Rental of Motor Vehicles. - No appropriations authorized in

the General Appropriations Act shall be used for renting motor transport equipment
for a continuous period of more than fifteen days, except as may be authorized by
the Secretary.
Section 77. Limitation of Purchase of Supplies, Materials, and Equipment Spare

Parts. - Except as otherwise provided in the General Appropriations Act, the stock on
hand of supplies, materials and equipment spare parts, acquired through ordinary
and emergency purchase, shall at no time exceed normal three-month
requirements, subject to the pertinent rules and regulations issued by competent
authority: Provided, That department heads may approve the build-up of stocks on
hand of critical supplies and materials, in anticipation of cost increases or
requirements of a national emergency, and specifying maximum quantities of
individual items, but in no case shall these stocks exceed more than one year's
supply, unless otherwise approved by the President.
Section 78. Purchase of Locally Manufactured Products. - All appropriations for the
purchase of equipment, supplies and materials authorized in the General
Appropriations Act shall be available only for locally manufactured equipment; parts,
accessories, medicines and drugs, supplies and materials, except when none is
available in the market or when the price of the locally manufactured article exceed
those determined by the Flag Law.
Section 79. Availability of Appropriations for Rental of Building and Grounds. - Any
appropriation authorized in any Act for rental of buildings and grounds for any
department, bureau, office or agency shall be available for expenditure only when
authorized by the department head concerned. Such appropriation may also be used
for lease-purchase arrangements.
With the concurrence of the Secretary of Budget and Management and the Secretary
of Finance, the head of the department may contract with any government financial
institution for loans intended for the acquisition of land for the construction of an
office building for any of the agencies under the department. Annual amortization of
the loans shall be taken from the appropriation for rental authorized under any Act
for the department, bureau or office concerned.
Section 80. Misuse of Government Funds and Property. - Any public official or
employee who shall apply any government fund or property under his administration
or control to any use other than for which such fund or property is appropriated by
laws, shall suffer the penalty imposed under the appropriate penal laws.
BOOK VII - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
Section 1. Scope. - This Book shall be applicable to all agencies as defined in the
next succeeding section, except the Congress, the Judiciary, the Constitutional
Commissions, military establishments in all matters relating exclusively to Armed
Forces personnel, the Board of Pardons and Parole, and state universities and
colleges.
Section 2. Definitions. - As used in this Book:
(1) "Agency" includes any department, bureau, office, commission, authority or

officer of the National Government authorized by law or executive order to make
rules, issue licenses, grant rights or privileges, and adjudicate cases; research
institutions with respect to licensing functions; government corporations with
respect to functions regulating private right, privileges, occupation or business; and
officials in the exercise of disciplinary power as provided by law.
(2) "Rule" means any agency statement of general applicability that implements or
interprets a law, fixes and describes the procedures in, or practice requirements of,
an agency, including its regulations. The term includes memoranda or statements
concerning the internal administration or management of an agency not affecting
the rights of, or procedure available to, the public.
(3) "Rate" means any charge to the public for a service open to all and upon the
same terms, including individual or joint rates, tolls, classifications, or schedules

thereof, as well as commutation, mileage, kilometerage and other special rates
which shall be imposed by law or regulation to be observed and followed by any
person.
(4) "Rule making" means an agency process for the formulation, amendment, or
repeal of a rule.
(5) "Contested case" means any proceeding, including licensing, in which the legal
rights, duties or privileges asserted by specific parties as required by the
Constitution or by law are to be determined after hearing.
(6) "Person" includes an individual, partnership, corporation, association, public or

private organization of any character other than an agency.
(7) "Party" includes a person or agency named or admitted as a party, or properly

seeking and entitled as of right to be admitted as a party, in any agency proceeding;
but nothing herein shall be construed to prevent an agency from admitting any
person or agency as a party for limited purposes.
(8) "Decision" means the whole or any part of the final disposition, not of an
interlocutory character, whether affirmative, negative, or injunctive in form, of an
agency in any matter, including licensing, rate fixing and granting of rights and
privileges.
(9) "Adjudication" means an agency process for the formulation of a final order.
(10) "License" includes the whole or any part of any agency permit, certificate,
passport, clearance, approval, registration, charter, membership, statutory
exemption or other form of permission, or regulation of the exercise of a right or
privilege.
(11) "Licensing" includes agency process involving the grant, renewal, denial,
revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, limitation, amendment, modification
or conditioning of a license.
(12) "Sanction" includes the whole or part of a prohibition, limitation or other

condition affecting the liberty of any person; the withholding of relief; the imposition
of penalty or fine; the destruction, taking, seizure or withholding of property; the
assessment of damages, reimbursement, restitution, compensation, cost, charges or
fees; the revocation or suspension of license; or the taking of other compulsory or
restrictive action.
(13) "Relief" includes the whole or part of any grant of money, assistance, license,
authority, privilege, exemption, exception, or remedy; recognition of any claim,
right, immunity, privilege, exemption or exception; or taking of any action upon the
application or petition of any person.
(14) "Agency proceeding" means any agency process with respect to rule-making,
adjudication and licensing.
1. "Agency action" includes the whole or part of every agency rule, order, license,
sanction, relief or its equivalent or denial thereof.
CHAPTER 2 - Rules and Regulations
Section 3. Filing. - (1) Every agency shall file with the University of the Philippines
Law Center three (3) certified copies of every rule adopted by it. Rules in force on
the date of effectivity of this Code which are not filed within three (3) months from
that date shall not thereafter be the basis of any sanction against any party or
persons.
(2) The records officer of the agency, or his equivalent functionary, shall carry out
the requirements of this section under pain of disciplinary action.
(3) A permanent register of all rules shall be kept by the issuing agency and shall be
open to public inspection.
Section 4. Effectivity. - In addition to other rule-making requirements provided by

law not inconsistent with this Book, each rule shall become effective fifteen (15)
days from the date of filing as above provided unless a different date is fixed by law,
or specified in the rule in cases of imminent danger to public health, safety and
welfare, the existence of which must be expressed in a statement accompanying the
rule. The agency shall take appropriate measures to make emergency rules known
to persons who may be affected by them.
Section 5. Publication and Recording. - The University of the Philippines Law Center
shall:
(1) Publish a quarter bulletin setting forth the text of rules filed with it during the
preceding quarter; and
(2) Keep an up-to-date codification of all rules thus published and remaining in
effect, together with a complete index and appropriate tables.
Section 6. Omission of Some Rules. - (1) The University of the Philippines Law
Center may omit from the bulletin or the codification any rule if its publication would
be unduly cumbersome, expensive or otherwise inexpedient, but copies of that rule
shall be made available on application to the agency which adopted it, and the
bulletin shall contain a notice stating the general subject matter of the omitted rule
and new copies thereof may be obtained.
(2) Every rule establishing an offense or defining an act which, pursuant to law, is
punishable as a crime or subject to a penalty shall in all cases be published in full
text.
Section 7. Distribution of Bulletin and Codified Rules. - The University of the

Philippines Law Center shall furnish one (1) free copy each of every issue of the
bulletin and of the codified rules or supplements to the Office of the President,
Congress, all appellate courts and the National Library.
The bulletin and the codified rules shall be made available free of charge to such
public officers or agencies as the Congress may select, and to other persons at a
price sufficient to cover publication and mailing or distribution costs.
Section 8. Judicial Notice. - The court shall take judicial notice of the certified copy
of each rule duly filed or as published in the bulletin or the codified rules.
Section 9. Public Participation. - (1) If not otherwise required by law, an agency

shall, as far as practicable, publish or circulate notices of proposed rules and afford
interested parties the opportunity to submit their views prior to the adoption of any
rule.
(2) In the fixing of rates, no rule or final order shall be valid unless the proposed
rates shall have been published in a newspaper of general circulation at least two
(2) weeks before the first hearing thereon.
(3) In case of opposition, the rules on contested cases shall be observed.
CHAPTER 3 - Adjudication
Section 10. Compromise and Arbitration. - To expedite administrative proceedings

involving conflicting rights or claims and obviate expensive litigations, every agency
shall, in the public interest, encourage amicable settlement, comprise and
arbitration.
Section 11. Notice and Hearing in Contested Cases. - (1) In any contested case all
parties shall be entitled to notice and hearing. The notice shall be served at least
five (5) days before the date of the hearing and shall state the date, time and place
of the hearing.
(2) The parties shall be given opportunity to present evidence and argument on all
issues. If not precluded by law, informal disposition may be made of any contested
case by stipulation, agreed settlement or default.
(3) The agency shall keep an official record of its proceedings.
Section 12. Rules of Evidence. - In a contested case:
(1) The agency may admit and give probative value to evidence commonly accepted
by reasonably prudent men in the conduct of their affairs.
(2) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, if the
original is not readily available. Upon request, the parties shall be given opportunity
to compare the copy with the original. If the original is in the official custody of a
public officer, a certified copy thereof may be accepted.
(3) Every party shall have the right to cross-examine witnesses presented against
him and to submit rebuttal evidence.
(4) The agency may take notice of judicially cognizable facts and of generally
cognizable technical or scientific facts within its specialized knowledge. The parties
shall be notified and afforded an opportunity to contest the facts so noticed.
Section 13. Subpoena. - In any contested case, the agency shall have the power to
require the attendance of witnesses or the production of books, papers, documents
and other pertinent data, upon request of any party before or during the hearing
upon showing of general relevance. Unless otherwise provided by law, the agency
may, in case of disobedience, invoke the aid of the Regional Trial Court within whose
jurisdiction the contested case being heard falls. The Court may punish contumacy
or refusal as contempt.
Section 14. Decision. - Every decision rendered by the agency in a contested case
shall be in writing and shall state clearly and distinctly the facts and the law on
which it is based. The agency shall decide each case within thirty (30) days following
its submission. The parties shall be notified of the decision personally or by
registered mail addressed to their counsel of record, if any, or to them.
Section 15. Finality of Order. - The decision of the agency shall become final and
executory fifteen
(15) days after the receipt of a copy thereof by the party adversely affected unless
within that period an administrative appeal or judicial review, if proper, has been
perfected. One motion for reconsideration may be filed, which shall suspend the
running of the said period.
Section 16. Publication and Compilation of Decisions. -
(1) Every agency shall publish and make available for public inspection all decisions
or final orders in the adjudication of contested cases.
(2) It shall be the duty of the records officer of the agency or his equivalent
functionary to prepare a register or compilation of those decisions or final orders for
use by the public.
Section 17. Licensing Procedure. - (1) When the grant, renewal, denial or
cancellation of a license is required to be preceded by notice and hearing, the
provisions concerning contested cases shall apply insofar as practicable. (2) Except
in cases of willful violation of pertinent laws, rules and regulations or when public
security, health, or safety require otherwise, no license may be withdrawn,
suspended, revoked or annulled without notice and hearing.
Section 18. Non-expiration of License. - Where the licensee has made timely and
sufficient application for the renewal of a license with reference to any activity of a
continuing nature, the existing license shall not expire until the application shall
have been finally determined by the agency.
CHAPTER 4 - ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL IN CONTESTED CASES
Section 19. Appeal. - Unless otherwise provided by law or executive order, an appeal
from a final decision of the agency may be taken to the Department head.
Section 20. Perfection of Administrative Appeals. - (1) Administrative appeals

under this Chapter shall be perfected within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a copy
of the decision complained of by the party adversely affected, by filing with the
agency which adjudicated the case a notice of appeal, serving copies thereof upon
the prevailing party and the appellate agency, and paying the required fees.
(2) If a motion for reconsideration is denied, the movant shall have the right to
perfect his appeal during the remainder of the period for appeal, reckoned from
receipt of the resolution of denial. If the decision is reversed on reconsideration, the
aggrieved party shall have fifteen (15) days from receipt of the resolution of
reversal within which to perfect his appeal.
(3) The agency shall, upon perfection of the appeal, transmit the records of the case
to the appellate agency.
Section 21. Effect of Appeal. - The appeal shall stay the decision appealed from
unless otherwise provided by law, or the appellate agency directs execution pending
appeal, as it may deem just, considering the nature and circumstances of the case.
Section 22. Action on Appeal. - The appellate agency shall review the records of the
proceedings and may, on its own initiative or upon motion, receive additional
evidence.
Section 23. Finality of Decision of Appellate Agency. - In any contested case, the
decision of the appellate agency shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days
after the receipt by the parties of a copy thereof.
Section 24. Hearing Officers. - (1) Each agency shall have such number of qualified
and competent members of the base as hearing officers as may be necessary for the
hearing and adjudication of contested cases.
(2) No hearing officer shall engaged in the performance of prosecuting functions in

any contested case or any factually related case.
Section 25. Judicial Review. - (1) Agency decisions shall be subject to judicial
review in accordance with this chapter and applicable laws.
(2) Any party aggrieved or adversely affected by an agency decision may seek
judicial review.
(3) The action for judicial review may be brought against the agency, or its officers,
and all indispensable and necessary parties as defined in the Rules of Court.
(4) Appeal from an agency decision shall be perfected by filing with the agency
within fifteen (15) days from receipt of a copy thereof a notice of appeal, and with
the reviewing court a petition for review of the order. Copies of the petition shall be
served upon the agency and all parties of record. The petition shall contain a concise
statement of the issues involved and the grounds relied upon for the review, and
shall be accompanied with a true copy of the order appealed from, together with
copies of such material portions of the records as are referred to therein and other
supporting papers. The petition shall be under oath and shall how, by stating the
specific material dates, that it was filed within the period fixed in this chapter.
(5) The petition for review shall be perfected within fifteen (15) days from receipt of
the final administrative decision. One (1) motion for reconsideration may be
allowed. If the motion is denied, the movant shall perfect his appeal during the
remaining period for appeal reckoned from receipt of the resolution of denial. If the
decision is reversed on reconsideration, the appellant shall have fifteen (15) days
from receipt of the resolution to perfect his appeal.
(6) The review proceeding shall be filed in the court specified by statute or, in the
absence thereof, in any court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the
provisions on venue of the Rules of Court.
(7) Review shall be made on the basis of the record taken as a whole. The findings
of fact of the agency when supported by substantial evidence shall be final except
when specifically provided otherwise by law.
Section 26. Transmittal of Record. - Within fifteen (15) days from the service of the
petition for review, the agency shall transmit to the court the original or a certified
copy of the entire records of the proceeding under review. The record to be
transmitted may be abridged by agreement of all parties to the proceedings. The
court may require or permit subsequent correction or additions to the record.
FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or
portions thereof, inconsistent with this Code are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.
Section 28. Separability Clauses. - In the event that any of the provisions of this
Code is declared unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be
affected by such declaration.
Section 29. Effectivity. - This Code shall take effect one year after its publication in
the Official Gazette.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 25th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen
hundred and eighty-seven.
(SGD.) CORAZON C. AQUINO

President of the Philippines
By the President:
(SGD.)JOKER P. ARROYO
Executive Secretary
Source: Supreme Court E-Library

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83 OG No. 31, 3528-138 Supp. (August 3, 1987)

[ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, July 25, 1987 ]

THE "ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987"

WHEREAS, efforts to achieve an integrative and over-all recodification of its

WHEREAS, the effectiveness of the Government will be enhanced by a new

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, by virtue

(1) Government of the Republic of the Philippines - refers to the corporate

(3) Local Government - refers to the political subdivisions established by or in

government-owned or controlled corporations, or a local government or a distinct

(5) National Agency - refers to a unit of the National Government.

(6) Local Agency - refers to a local government or a distinct unit therein.

(7) Department - refers to an executive department created by law. For purposes of

(9) Office - refers, within the framework of governmental organization, to any

(10) Instrumentality - refers to any agency of the National Government, not

(12) Chartered institution - refers to any agency organized or operating under a

(13) Government-owned or controlled corporation - refers to any agency organized

(14) "Officer" - as distinguished from "clerk" or "employee", refers to a person

function in the exercise of governmental power, "officer" includes any government

SOVEREIGNTY AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER 1 - The National Territory

Section 4. Territorial Subdivision of the Philippines. - The territorial and political

CHAPTER 2 - The People

(2) Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;

(4) Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.

Section 8. Loss or Reacquisition of Citizenship. - Philippine citizenship may be lost or

CHAPTER 3 -State Immunity From Suit

CHAPTER 4 - National Symbols and Official Language

CHAPTER 5 - Operation and Effect of Laws

Section 20. Interpretation of Laws and Administrative Issuances. - In the

CHAPTER 6 - Official Gazette

CHAPTER 7 -Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days

(A) Regular Holidays

CHAPTER 8 - Legal Wieghts, measures and Period

Section 31. Legal Periods. - "Year" shall be understood to be twelve calendar

CHAPTER 9 - General Principles Governing Public Officers

Section 36. Inhibition Against Purchase of Property at Tax Sale. - No officer or

Section 37. Powers Incidental to Taking of Testimony. - When authority to take

Section 39. Liability of Subordinate Officers. -No subordinate officer or employee

CHAPTER 10 - Official Oaths

CHAPTER 11 - Official Reports

CHAPTER 12 - Public Contracts and Conveyances

Section 47. Contracts and Conveyances. - Contracts or conveyances may be

Section 50. Conveyance of National Government Property to Local Governments. -

(2) Contracts in behalf of the political subdivisions and corporate agencies or

DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS OF GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 1 - Basic Principles and Policies

Section 1. Guiding Principles and Policies in Government. - Governmental power

(4) The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

(6) The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

CHAPTER 2 - Legislaive Power

Section 3. Inhibitions Against Members of Congress. - (1) No Senator or Member of

(2) No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may personally appear

Section 5. Commission on Appointments. - There shall be a Commission on

Section 6. Legislative Investigation. - The Senate or the House of Representatives or

Section 7. Appearance of Heads of Departments. - The heads of departments may

Section 8. Initiative and Referendum. - The Congress shall, as early as possible,

Section 9. Power to Propose Constitutional Amendments. - (1) Any amendment to,