eo 292 revised administrative code

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http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_292_1987.html 1/136

TodayisTuesday,June16,2015

EXECUTIVEORDERNO.292

INSTITUTINGTHE"ADMINISTRATIVECODEOF1987"

WHEREAS,theAdministrativeCodecurrentlyinforcewasfirstforgedin1917whentherelationshipbetweenthepeopleandthegovernmentwasdefinedbythecolonialorderthenprevailing

WHEREAS, efforts to achieve an integrative and overall recodification of its provisions resulted in theAdministrativeCodeof1978which,however,wasneverpublishedandlaterexpresslyrepealed

WHEREAS, the effectiveness of the Government will be enhanced by a new Administrative Code whichincorporates in a unified document the major structural, functional and procedural principles and rules ofgovernanceand

WHEREAS, a newAdministrativeCodewill be of optimumbenefit to the people andGovernment officers andemployeesasitembodieschangesinadministrativestructuresandproceduresdesignedtoservethepeople

NOW,THEREFORE,I,CORAZONC.AQUINO,PresidentofthePhilippines,byvirtueofthepowersvestedinmebytheConstitution,doherebypromulgatetheAdministrativeCodeof1987,asfollows:

INTRODUCTORYPROVISIONS

Section1.Title.ThisActshallbeknownasthe"AdministrativeCodeof1987."

Section2.GeneralTermsDefined.Unlessthespecificwordsofthetext,orthecontextasawhole,oraparticularstatute,shallrequireadifferentmeaning:

(1)GovernmentoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesreferstothecorporategovernmentalentitythroughwhichthe functions of government are exercised throughout the Philippines, including, save as the contraryappears from the context, the various arms through which political authority is made effective in thePhilippines, whether pertaining to the autonomous regions, the provincial, city, municipal or barangaysubdivisionsorotherformsoflocalgovernment.

(2)NationalGovernment refers to theentiremachineryof thecentralgovernment,asdistinguished fromthedifferentformsoflocalgovernments.

(3) Local Government refers to the political subdivisions established by or in accordance with theConstitution.

(4)AgencyoftheGovernmentreferstoanyofthevariousunitsoftheGovernment,includingadepartment,bureau,office,instrumentality,orgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,oralocalgovernmentoradistinctunittherein.

(5)NationalAgencyreferstoaunitoftheNationalGovernment.

(6)LocalAgencyreferstoalocalgovernmentoradistinctunittherein.

(7) Department refers to an executive department created by law. For purposes of Book IV, this shallincludeanyinstrumentality,ashereindefined,havingorassignedtherankofadepartment,regardlessofitsnameordesignation.

(8)Bureaureferstoanyprincipalsubdivisionorunitofanydepartment.ForpurposesofBookIV,thisshallinclude any principal subdivision or unit of any instrumentality given or assigned the rank of a bureau,regardlessofactualnameordesignation,asinthecaseofdepartmentwideregionaloffices.

(9) Office refers, within the framework of governmental organization, to any major functional unit of adepartment or bureau including regional offices. It may also refer to any position held or occupied byindividualpersons,whosefunctionsaredefinedbylaworregulation.

(10)InstrumentalityreferstoanyagencyoftheNationalGovernment,notintegratedwithinthedepartment

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framework vested within special functions or jurisdiction by law, endowedwith some if not all corporatepowers, administering special funds, andenjoyingoperational autonomy, usually througha charter. Thistermincludesregulatoryagencies,charteredinstitutionsandgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations.

(11)Regulatoryagency refers toanyagencyexpressly vestedwith jurisdiction to regulate,administeroradjudicate matters affecting substantial rights and interests of private persons, the principal powers ofwhichareexercisedbyacollectivebody,suchasacommission,boardorcouncil.

(12)Charteredinstitutionreferstoanyagencyorganizedoroperatingunderaspecialcharter,andvestedby lawwith functions relating to specific constitutional policiesor objectives.This term includes the stateuniversitiesandcollegesandthemonetaryauthorityoftheState.

(13)Governmentownedorcontrolledcorporationreferstoanyagencyorganizedasastockornonstockcorporation,vestedwith functionsrelating topublicneedswhethergovernmentalorproprietary innature,andownedbytheGovernmentdirectlyorthroughitsinstrumentalitieseitherwholly,or,whereapplicableasin the case of stock corporations, to the extent of at least fiftyone (51) per cent of its capital stock:Provided, That governmentowned or controlled corporations may be further categorized by theDepartmentoftheBudget,theCivilServiceCommission,andtheCommissiononAuditforpurposesoftheexercise and discharge of their respective powers, functions and responsibilities with respect to suchcorporations.

(14)"Officer"asdistinguishedfrom"clerk"or"employee",referstoapersonwhoseduties,notbeingofaclerical ormanual nature, involves the exercise of discretion in the performance of the functions of thegovernment.Whenusedwith reference to a personhavingauthority to do a particular act or performaparticular function in the exercise of governmental power, "officer" includes any government employee,agentorbodyhavingauthoritytodotheactorexercisethatfunction.

(15) "Employee",whenusedwith reference toaperson in thepublicservice, includesanyperson in theserviceofthegovernmentoranyofitsagencies,divisions,subdivisionsorinstrumentalities.

BOOKI

SOVEREIGNTYANDGENERALADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER1THENATIONALTERRITORY

Section3.WhatComprisesNationalTerritory.ThenationalterritorycomprisesthePhilippinearchipelago,withalltheislandsandwatersembracedtherein,andallotherterritoriesoverwhichthePhilippineshassovereigntyorjurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, thesubsoil,theinsularshelves,andothersubmarineareas.Thewatersaround,between,andconnectingtheislandsofthearchipelago,regardlessoftheirbreadthanddimensions,formpartoftheinternalwatersofthePhilippines.

Section4.TerritorialSubdivisionofthePhilippines.TheterritorialandpoliticalsubdivisionsofthePhilippinesaretheautonomousregions,provinces,subprovinces,cities,municipalitiesandbarangays.

CHAPTER2THEPEOPLE

Section5.WhoareCitizens.ThefollowingarethecitizensofthePhilippines:

(1)ThosewhoarecitizensofthePhilippinesatthetimeoftheadoptionoftheConstitution

(2)ThosewhosefathersormothersarecitizensofthePhilippines

(3)ThosebornbeforeJanuary17,1973,ofFilipinomothers,whoelectPhilippinecitizenship,unlessbytheactoromissiontheyaredeemed,underthelaw,tohaverenouncedit.

(4)Thosewhoarenaturalizedinaccordancewithlaw.

Section6.EffectofMarriage.CitizensofthePhilippineswhomarryaliensshallretaintheircitizenship,unlessbytheiractoromissiontheyaredeemed,underthelaw,tohaverenouncedit.

Section7.NaturalbornCitizen. Naturalborncitizensare thosewhoarecitizensof thePhilippines frombirthwithout having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. Thosewho elect PhilippinecitizenshipinaccordancewiththeConstitutionshallbedeemednaturalborncitizens.

Section8.LossorReacquisitionofCitizenship.Philippinecitizenshipmaybelostorreacquiredinthemanner

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providedbylaw.

Section9.DualAllegiance.Dualallegianceisinimicaltothenationalinterestandshallbedealtwithbylaw.

CHAPTER3STATEIMMUNITYFROMSUIT

Section10.NonsuabilityoftheState.NosuitshalllieagainsttheStateexceptwithitsconsentasprovidedbylaw.

Section11.TheState'sResponsibilityforActsofAgents.

(1)TheStateshallbelegallyboundandresponsibleonlythroughtheactsperformedinaccordancewiththeConstitutionandthelawsbyitsdulyauthorizedrepresentatives.

(2)TheStateshallnotbeboundbythemistakesorerrorsofitsofficersoragentsintheexerciseoftheirfunctions.

CHAPTER4NATIONALSYMBOLSANDOFFICIALLANGUAGES

Section12.NationalFlag.

(1)TheflagofthePhilippinesshallbered,whiteandblue,withasunandthreestars,asconsecratedandhonoredbythepeopleandrecognizedbylaw.

(2)Thecustody,ceremonialuse,occasionandmannerofdisplay,andthepropercareanddispositionoftheflagshallbegovernedbyappropriaterulesandregulations.

Section 13. National Anthem. Until otherwise provided by law, themusical arrangement and composition ofJulianFelipeisadoptedasthenationalanthem.Itshallbesungorplayedupontheopeningorstartofallstatecelebrations or gatherings and on such other occasions as may be prescribed by appropriate rules andregulations.

Section14.ArmsandGreatSealoftheRepublicofthePhilippines.

(1)TheArmsshall havepalewaysof two (2)pieces,azureandgulesachiefargent studdedwith threemulletsequidistant fromeachotherand, inpointofhonor,ovoidargentoverall thesun rayonnantwitheightminorand lesser rays.Beneathshallbeascrollwith thewords"Republicof thePhilippines, "or itsequivalentinthenationallanguage,inscribedthereon.

(2)TheGreatSealshallbecircular in form,with thearmsasdescribed in theprecedingparagraph,butwithout thescroll and the inscription thereon,andsurrounding thewhole,adoublemarginal circlewithinwhichshallappear thewords"Republicof thePhilippines,"or itsequivalent in thenational language.ForthepurposeofplacingtheGreatSeal,thecolorofthearmsshallnotbedeemedessential.

Section15.UseandCustodyofGreatSeal.TheGreatSealshallbeaffixedtoorplaceduponallcommissionssignedbythePresidentanduponsuchotherofficialdocumentsandpapersoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesasmayberequiredbycustomandusage.ThePresidentshallhavecustodyoftheGreatSeal.

Section16.Arms,Seals andBannersofGovernmentOffices. The various offices of governmentmayadoptappropriatecoatsofarms,sealsandbanners.

Section 17.Official Languages. Until otherwise provided by law, Pilipino and English shall be the officiallanguages.

CHAPTER5OPERATIONANDEFFECTOFLAWS

Section18.WhenLawsTakeEffect. Lawsshall takeeffectafter fifteen (15)days following thecompletionoftheirpublicationintheOfficialGazetteorinanewspaperofgeneralcirculation,unlessitisotherwiseprovided.

Section19.Prospectivity.Lawsshallhaveprospectiveeffectunlessthecontraryisexpresslyprovided.

Section20.InterpretationofLawsandAdministrativeIssuances.Intheinterpretationofalaworadministrativeissuance promulgated in all the official languages, the English text shall control, unless otherwise specificallyprovided.Incaseofambiguity,omissionormistake,theothertextsmaybeconsulted.

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Section21.NoImpliedRevivalofRepealedLaw.Whenalawwhichexpresslyrepealsapriorlawitselfrepealed,thelawfirstrepealedshallnotbetherebyrevivedunlessexpresslysoprovided.

Section22.RevivalofLawImpliedlyRepealed.Whenalawwhichimpliedlyrepealsapriorlawisitselfrepealed,thepriorlawshalltherebyberevived,unlesstherepealinglawprovidesotherwise.

Section23.IgnoranceoftheLaw.Ignoranceofthelawexcusesnoonefromcompliancetherewith.

CHAPTER6OFFICIALGAZETTE

Section24.Contents. Thereshallbepublished in theOfficialGazetteall legislativeactsand resolutionsofapublicnatureallexecutiveandadministrativeissuancesofgeneralapplicationdecisionsorabstractsofdecisionsoftheSupremeCourtandtheCourtofAppeals,orothercourtsofsimilarrank,asmaybedeemedbysaidcourtsofsufficientimportancetobesopublishedsuchdocumentsorclassesofdocumentsasmayberequiredsotobepublishedby lawandsuchdocumentsor classesofdocumentsas thePresident shall determine from time totimetohavegeneralapplicationorwhichhemayauthorizesotobepublished.

The publication of any law, resolution or other official documents in the Official Gazette shall be prima facieevidenceofitsauthority. la w p h i1 .n e t

Section 25.Editing andPublications. TheOfficialGazette shall be edited in theOffice of the President andpublishedweekly inPilipinoor in theEnglish language. It shall besoldanddistributedby theNationalPrintingOfficewhichshallpromptlymailcopiesthereoftosubscribersfreeofpostage.

CHAPTER7REGULARHOLIDAYSANDNATIONWIDESPECIALDAYS

Section26.RegularHolidaysandNationwideSpecialDays.

1. Unlessotherwisemodifiedbylaw,orderorproclamation,thefollowingregularholidaysandspecialdaysshallbeobservedinthiscountry:

(A) RegularHolidays

NewYear'sDay January1

MaundyThursday Movabledate

GoodFriday Movabledate

ArawngKagitingan(BataanandCorregidorDay)

April9

LaborDay May1

IndependenceDay June12

NationalHeroesDay LastSundayofAugust

BonifacioDay November30

ChristmasDay December25

RizalDay December30

(B) NationwideSpecialDays

AllSaintsDay November1

LastDayoftheYear December31

(2)Theterms"legalorregularholiday"and"specialholiday",asusedinlaws,orders,rulesandregulationsorotherissuancesshallbereferredtoas"regularholiday"and"specialday",respectively. la w p h i1 .n e t

Section27.LocalSpecialDays.ThePresidentmayproclaimanylocalspecialdayforaparticulardate,grouporplace.

Section28.PretermissionofHoliday.Wheretheday,orthelastday,fordoinganyactrequiredorpermittedby

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lawfallsonaregularholidayorspecialday,theactmaybedoneonthenextsucceedingbusinessday. la w p h i1 .n e t

CHAPTER8LEGALWEIGHTSMEASURESANDPERIOD

Section29.OfficialUseofMetricSystem. Themetric systemofweights andmeasures shall be used in thePhilippinesforallproducts,articles,goods,commodities,materials,merchandise,utilities,services,aswellasforcommercial transactions like contracts, agreements, deeds and other legal instruments publicly and officiallyattested,andforallofficialdocuments.Onlyweightsandmeasuresofthemetricsystemshallbeofficiallysealedandlicensed.

Section30.MandatoryNationwideUse.Themetricsystemshallbefullyadoptedinallagricultural,commercial,industrial,scientificandothersectors.PersonsorentitiesallowedunderexistinglawstousetheEnglishsystemorotherstandardsandweightsaregivenuntilthedatetobefixedbytheMetricSystemBoardtoadoptthemetricsystem.

Section31.LegalPeriods. "Year" shall be understood to be twelve calendarmonths "month" of thirty days,unlessitreferstoaspecificcalendarmonthinwhichcaseitshallbecomputedaccordingtothenumberofdaysthespecificmonthcontains"day,"toadayoftwentyfourhoursand"night,"fromsunsettosunrise.

CHAPTER9GENERALPRINCIPLESGOVERNINGPUBLICOFFICERS

Section32.NatureofPublicOffice.Publicofficeisapublictrust.Publicofficersandemployeesmustatalltimesbeaccountabletothepeople,servethemwiththeutmostresponsibility, integrity, loyaltyandefficiency,actwithpatriotismandjustice,andleadmodestlives.

Section33.PolicyonChangeofCitizenship.PublicofficersandemployeesowetheSenateandtheConstitutionallegiance at all times, and any public officer or employeewho seeks to change his citizenship or acquire thestatusofanimmigrantofanothercountryduringhistenureshallbedealtwithbylaw.

Section34.DeclarationofAssets,LiabilitiesandNetWorth.Apublicofficeroremployeeshalluponassumptionof office and as often thereafter as may be required by law, submit a declaration under oath of his assets,liabilities,andnetworth.

Section35.EthicsinGovernment.AllpublicofficersandemployeesshallbeboundbyaCodeofEthicstobepromulgatedbytheCivilServiceCommission.

Section36.InhibitionAgainstPurchaseofPropertyatTaxSale.Noofficeroremployeeofthegovernmentshallpurchasedirectlyorindirectlyanypropertysoldbythegovernmentforthenonpaymentofanytax,feeorotherpubliccharge.Anysuchpurchasebyanofficeroremployeeshallbevoid.

Section37.PowersIncidentaltoTakingofTestimony.Whenauthoritytotaketestimonyorreceiveevidenceisconferred upon any administrative officer or any nonjudicial person, committee, or other body, such authorityshall include thepower toadministeroaths,summonwitnesses,and require theproductionofdocumentsbyasubpoenaducestecum.

Section38.LiabilityofSuperiorOfficers.

(1)Apublicofficershallnotbecivilly liable foractsdone in theperformanceofhisofficialduties,unlessthereisaclearshowingofbadfaith,maliceorgrossnegligence.

(2)Anypublic officerwho,without just cause, neglects toperformadutywithinaperiod fixedby laworregulation,orwithina reasonableperiod ifnone is fixed,shallbe liable fordamages to theprivatepartyconcernedwithoutprejudicetosuchotherliabilityasmaybeprescribedbylaw.

(3)Aheadofadepartmentorasuperiorofficershallnotbecivillyliableforthewrongfulacts,omissionsofduty,negligence,ormisfeasanceofhissubordinates,unlesshehasactuallyauthorizedbywrittenorderthespecificactormisconductcomplainedof.

Section39.LiabilityofSubordinateOfficers. No subordinate officer or employee shall be civilly liable for actsdonebyhimingoodfaithintheperformanceofhisduties.However,heshallbeliableforwillfulornegligentactsdonebyhimwhicharecontrarytolaw,morals,publicpolicyandgoodcustomsevenifheactedunderordersorinstructionsofhissuperiors.

CHAPTER10OFFICIALOATHS

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Section 40.Oaths of Office for Public Officers and Employees. All public officers and employees of thegovernmentincludingeverymemberofthearmedforcesshall,beforeenteringuponthedischargeofhisduties,takeanoathoraffirmationtoupholdanddefendtheConstitutionthathewillbeartruefaithandallegiancetoitobey the laws, legal ordersanddecreespromulgatedby theduly constitutedauthoritieswillwell and faithfullydischargetothebestofhisabilitythedutiesoftheofficeorpositionuponwhichheisabouttoenterandthathevoluntarilyassumestheobligationimposedbyhisoathofoffice,withoutmentalreservationorpurposeofevasion.CopiesoftheoathshallbedepositedwiththeCivilServiceCommissionandtheNationalArchives.

Section41.OfficersAuthorizedtoAdministerOath.

(1) The following officers have general authority to administer oath: Notaries public, members of thejudiciary, clerks of courts, the Secretary of the either House of the Congress of the Philippines, ofdepartments, bureau directors, registers of deeds, provincial governors and lieutenantgovernors, citymayors,municipalmayorsandanyotherofficerintheserviceofthegovernmentofthePhilippineswhoseappointmentisvestedinthePresident.

(2)Oathsmayalsobeadministeredbyanyofficerwhoseduties,asdefinedby laworregulation, requirepresentationtohimofanystatementunderoath..

Section 42.Duty toAdministerOath. Officers authorized to administer oaths, with the exception of notariespublic,municipal judgesandclerksof court,arenotobliged toadministeroathsorexecutecertificatessave inmattersofofficialbusinessandwiththeexceptionofnotariespublic,theofficerperformingtheserviceinthosemattersshallchargenofee,unlessspecificallyauthorizedbylaw.

CHAPTER11OFFICIALREPORTS

Section 43.AnnualReports. The heads of the several branches, subdivisions, department and agencies orinstrumentalitiesoftheGovernmentshallprepareandsubmitannualreportstothePresidentonorbeforethefirstdayofJuly1ofeachyear.

Section 44.Contents of Reports. The contents of the annual reports shall be prescribed by law or, in theabsencethereof,byexecutiveorder.

Section45.SpecialReports.EachchiefofBureauorotherofficerofthegovernmentshallmakesuchspecialreportsconcerningtheworkofhisBureauorOfficeasmayfromtimetotimeberequiredofhimbythePresidentofthePhilippinesorHeadofDepartment.

Section46.DepositwithArchives.OfficialcopiesofannualreportsshallbedepositedwiththeNationalArchivesandshallbeopentopublicinspection.

CHAPTER12PUBLICCONTRACTSANDCONVEYANCES

Section47.ContractsandConveyances.Contractsorconveyancesmaybeexecutedforandinbehalfof theGovernmentorofanyof itsbranches,subdivisions,agencies,or instrumentalities, includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,wheneverdemandedbytheexigencyorexigenciesoftheserviceandaslongasthesamearenotprohibitedbylaw.

Section 48. Official Authorized to Convey Real Property. Whenever real property of the Government isauthorizedbylawtobeconveyed,thedeedofconveyanceshallbeexecutedinbehalfofthegovernmentbythefollowing:

(1)Forpropertybelonging toand titled in thenameof theRepublicof thePhilippines,by thePresident,unlesstheauthoritythereforisexpresslyvestedbylawinanotherofficer.

(2) For property belonging to the Republic of the Philippines but titled in the name of any politicalsubdivision or of any corporate agency or instrumentality, by the executive head of the agency orinstrumentality.

Section 49. Authority to Convey other Property. Whenever property other than real is authorized to beconveyed,thecontractordeedshallbeexecutedbytheheadoftheagencywiththeapprovalofthedepartmenthead.Wheretheoperationsoftheagencyregularlyinvolvethesaleorotherdispositionofpersonalproperty,thedeedshallbeexecutedbyanyofficeroremployeeexpresslyauthorizedforthatpurpose.

Section 50. Conveyance of National Government Property to Local Governments. When the real propertybelonging to the National Government is needed for school purposes, or other official use by any localgovernment, the President shall authorize its transfer, and the department head or other authority concerned

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shallexecuteinfavorofthelocalgovernmentthenecessarydeedofconveyancebywayofgift,sale,exchange,orotherwise,anduponsuchtermsasshallbefortheinterestofthepartiesconcerned.Nothinghereinprovidedshallbedeemedtoauthorizetheconveyanceofunreservedpublicland,friarlandoranyrealpropertyheldbytheGovernmentintrustorforaspecialpurposedefinedbylaw.

Section51.ExecutionofContracts.

(1)ContractsinbehalfoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesshallbeexecutedbythePresidentunlessauthoritythereforisexpresslyvestedbylaworbyhiminanyotherpublicofficer.

(2) Contracts in behalf of the political subdivisions and corporate agencies or instrumentalities shall beapproved by their respective governing boards or councils and executed by their respective executiveheads.

BOOKII

DISTRIBUTIONOFPOWERSOFGOVERNMENT

CHAPTER1BASICPRINCIPLESANDPOLICIES

Section 1. Guiding Principles and Policies in Government. Governmental power shall be exercised inaccordancewiththefollowingbasicprinciplesandpolicies:

(1) The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and allgovernmentauthorityemanatesfromthem.

(2)TheStatevaluesthedignityofeveryhumanpersonandguaranteesfullrespectforhumanrights.

(3)Civilianauthorityis,atalltimes,supremeoverthemilitary.

(4)TheStateshallensuretheautonomyoflocalgovernments.

(5) The territorial and political subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines are the provinces, cities,municipalities,andbarangays.Thereshallbeautonomousregions,inaccordancewiththeConstitution,inMuslimMindanaoandtheCordillerasasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

(6)TheseparationofChurchandStateshallbeinviolable.

(7)Therightofthepeopleandtheirorganizationstoeffectiveandreasonableparticipationatall levelsofsocial,political,andeconomicdecisionmakingshallnotbeabridged.TheStateshall,bylaw,facilitatetheestablishmentofadequateconsultationmechanisms.

(8)ThepowersexpresslyvestedinanybranchoftheGovernmentshallnotbeexercisedby,nordelegatedto,anyotherbranchoftheGovernment,excepttotheextentauthorizedbytheConstitution.

CHAPTER2LEGISLATIVEPOWER

Section2.SeatofLegislativePower. The legislativepowershallbevested in theCongressof thePhilippineswhichshallconsistofaSenateandaHouseofRepresentatives,excepttotheextentreservedtothepeoplebytheConstitutionalprovisiononinitiativeandreferendum.

Section3.InhibitionsAgainstMembersofCongress.

(1)NoSenatororMemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesmayholdanyotherofficeoremploymentintheGovernment, or any subdivision agency, or instrumentality thereof, including governmentowned orcontrolledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries,duringhistermwithoutforfeitinghisseat.Neithershallhebeappointedtoanyofficewhichmayhavebeencreatedortheemolumentsthereofincreasedduringthetermforwhichhewaselected.

(2)NoSenatororMemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesmaypersonallyappearascounselbeforeanycourtof justiceorbeforetheElectoralTribunals,orquasijudicialandotheradministrativebodies.Neithershallhe,directlyor indirectly,be interested financially inanycontractwith,or inany franchiseorspecialprivilegegrantedby theGovernment, or any subdivision, agencyor instrumentality thereof includinganygovernmentowned or controlled corporation, or its subsidiary, during his term of office. He shall notinterveneinanymatterbeforeanyofficeoftheGovernmentforhispecuniarybenefitorwherehemaybecalledupontoactonaccountofhisoffice.

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Section 4.Electoral Tribunal. The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each have an ElectoralTribunalwhichshallbe thesole judgeofall contests relating to theelection, returns,andqualificationsof theirrespectiveMembers.EachElectoralTribunalshallbecomposedofnine(9)Members,three(3)ofwhomshallbeJusticesoftheSupremeCourttobedesignatedbytheChiefJustice,andtheremainingsix(6)shallbeMembersof the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be chosen on the basis ofproportionalrepresentationfromthepoliticalpartiesandthepartiesororganizationsregisteredunderthepartylistsystemrepresentedtherein.TheseniorJusticeintheElectoralTribunalshallbeitsChairman.

Section 5.Commission on Appointments. There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of thePresidentoftheSenate,asexofficioChairman,andtwelve(12)Senatorsandtwelve(12)MembersoftheHouseofRepresentatives,electedbyeachHouseon thebasisofproportional representation fromthepoliticalpartiesand parties or organizations registered under the partylist system represented therein. The Chairman of theCommissionshallnotvote,exceptincaseofatie.TheCommissionshallactonallappointmentssubmittedtoitwithin thirty (30)sessiondaysof theCongress from theirsubmission.TheCommissionshall rulebyamajorityvoteofallitsMembers.

Section 6. Legislative Investigation. The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its respectivecommitteesmayconduct inquiries inaidof legislation inaccordancewith itsdulypublished rulesofprocedure.Therightsofpersonsappearinginoraffectedbysuchinquiriesshallberespected.

Section7.AppearanceofHeadsofDepartments.Theheadsofdepartmentsmayupontheirowninitiative,withthe consent of the President, or upon the request of either House, as the rules of eachHouse shall provide,appearbeforeandbeheardbysuchHouseonanymatterpertainingtotheirdepartments.Writtenquestionsshallbesubmitted to thePresidentof theSenateor theSpeakerof theHouseofRepresentativesat least three (3)daysbefore theirscheduledappearance. Interpellationsshallnotbe limited towrittenquestions,butmaycovermatters related thereto.When the security of theStateor thepublic interest so requiresand thePresident sostatesinwriting,theappearanceshallbeconductedinexecutivesession.

Section8.InitiativeandReferendum.TheCongressshall,asearlyaspossible,provideforasystemofinitiativeand referendum and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws orapprove or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body after theregistrationofapetitionthereforsignedbyatleastten(10)percentumofthetotalnumberofregisteredvoters,ofwhich every legislative district must be represented by at least three (3) per centum of the registered votersthereof.

Section9.PowertoProposeConstitutionalAmendments.

(1)Anyamendmentto,orrevisionoftheConstitutionmaybeproposedby:(a)TheCongress,uponavoteofthreefourths(3/4)ofallitsMembersor(b)aconstitutionalconvention.TheCongressmay,byavoteoftwothirds(2/3)ofallitsMembers,callaconstitutionalconvention,orbyamajorityvoteofallitsMembers,submittotheelectoratethequestionofcallingsuchaconvention.

(2)AmendmentstotheConstitutionmaylikewisebedirectlyproposedbythepeoplethroughinitiativeupona petition of at least twelve (12) per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which everylegislativedistrictmustberepresentedbyatleastthree(3)percentumoftheregisteredvoterstherein.Noamendmentsunderthisparagraphshallbeauthorizedwithinfiveyearsfollowingtheratificationofthe1987Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter. The Congress shall provide for theimplementationoftheexerciseofthisright.

Section10.ValidityofConstitutionalAmendments.

(1)AnyamendmenttoorrevisionoftheConstitutionproposedbyCongressoraconstitutionalconventionshallbevalidwhenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthansixtydays(60)norlaterthanninetydays(90)aftertheapprovalofsuchamendmentorrevision.

(2)AnyamendmenttoorrevisionoftheConstitutiondirectlyproposedbythepeoplethroughinitiativeshallbevalidwhenratifiedbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthansixtydays (60) nor later than ninety days (90) after the certification by the Commission on Elections of thesufficiencyofthepetition.

CHAPTER3EXECUTIVEPOWER

Section11.ExerciseofExecutivePower.TheExecutivepowershallbevestedinthePresident.

Section12.TheVicePresident. There shall be aVicePresidentwho shall have the samequalifications andtermofofficeandbeelectedwithandinthesamemannerasthePresident.Hemayberemovedfromofficein

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thesamemannerasthePresident.

TheVicePresidentmaybeappointedasaMemberoftheCabinet.Suchappointmentrequiresnoconfirmation.

Section13.VacancyinOfficeofthePresident. Incaseofdeath,permanentdisability, removal fromoffice,orresignationofthePresident,theVicePresidentshallbecomethePresidenttoservetheunexpiredterm.Incaseofdeath,permanentdisability, removal fromoffice,or resignationofboth thePresidentandVicePresident, thePresidentoftheSenateor,incaseofhisinability,theSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives,shallthenactasPresidentuntilthePresidentorVicePresidentshallhavebeenelectedandqualified.

The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case of death, permanent disability, orresignationof theActingPresident.Heshallserveuntil thePresidentorVicePresidentshallhavebeenelectedandqualified,andbesubjecttothesamerestrictionsofpowersanddisqualificationsastheActingPresident.

Section14.Vacancy inOffice of theVicePresident. Whenever there is a vacancy in theOffice of theVicePresidentduring the termforwhichhewaselected, thePresidentshallnominateaVicePresident fromamongtheMembersof theSenateand theHouseofRepresentativeswhoshallassumeofficeuponconfirmationbyamajorityvoteofalltheMembersofbothHousesoftheCongress,votingseparately.

Section15.InhibitionsAgainstExecutiveOfficials.ThePresident,VicePresident,theMembersoftheCabinet,andtheirdeputiesorassistantsshallnot,unlessotherwiseprovidedinthisConstitution,holdanyotherofficeoremployment during their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure, directly or indirectly practice any otherprofession, participate in any business, or be financially interested in any contractwith, or in any franchise, orspecial privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries.Theyshallstrictlyavoidconflictsofinterestintheconductoftheiroffice.

ThespouseandrelativesbyconsanguinityoraffinitywithinthefourthcivildegreeofthePresidentshallnotduringhistenurebeappointedasMembersoftheConstitutionalCommissions,ortheOfficeoftheOmbudsman,orasSecretaries, Undersecretaries, chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices, including governmentowned orcontrolledcorporationsandtheirsubsidiaries.

CHAPTER4JUDICIALPOWER

Section16.JudicialPower. The judicial power shall be vested in one (1)SupremeCourt, and in such lowercourtsasmaybeestablishedby law.Such lowercourts includetheCourtofAppeals,Sandiganbayan,CourtofTaxAppeals,RegionalTrialCourts,Shari'sDistrictCourts,MetropolitanTrialCourts,MunicipalTrialCourtsandMunicipal Circuit Trial Courts, and Shari'a Circuit Courts and they shall continue to exercise their respectivejurisdictionuntilotherwiseprovidedbylaw.

Judicialpower includes thedutyof thecourtsof justice tosettleactual controversies involving rightswhicharelegally demandable and enforceable, and, in cases prescribed by law, to determinewhether or not there hasbeen a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch orinstrumentalityoftheGovernment.

Section17.CompositionoftheSupremeCourt.TheSupremeCourtshallbecomposedofaChiefJusticeandfourteenAssociateJustices.Itmaysitenbancorinitsdiscretion,indivisionsofthree,fiveorsevenMembers.

Section18.JurisdictionandPowersofSupremeCourt.TheSupremeCourtshallhavethefollowingpowers:

(1)Exerciseoriginaljurisdictionovercasesaffectingambassadors,otherpublicministersandconsuls,andoverpetitionsforcertiorari,prohibition,mandamus,quowarranto,andhabeascorpus.

(2)Review,revise,reverse,modify,oraffirmonappealorcertiorariasthelawortheRulesofCourtmayprovide,finaljudgmentsandordersoflowercourtsin:

(a) All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty, international or executiveagreement, law, presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is inquestion.

(b)Allcasesinvolvingthelegalityofanytax,impost,assessment,ortoll,oranypenaltyimposedinrelationthereto.

(c)Allcasesinwhichthejurisdictionofanylowercourtisinissue.

(d)Allcriminalcasesinwhichthepenaltyimposedisreclusionperpetuaorhigher.

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(e)Allcasesinwhichonlyanerrororquestionoflawisinvolved.

(3) Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as public interest may require. Suchtemporaryassignmentshallnotexceedsix(6)monthswithouttheconsentofthejudgeconcerned.

(4)Orderachangeofvenueorplaceoftrialtoavoidamiscarriageofjustice.

(5)Promulgaterulesconcerningtheprotectionandenforcementofconstitutionalrights,pleading,practice,andprocedureinallcourts,theadmissiontothepracticeoflaw,theIntegratedBar,andlegalassistancetothe underprivileged. Such rules shall provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedydispositionofcases,shallbeuniformforallcourtsofthesamegradeandshallnotdiminish,increase,ormodify substantive rights. Rules of procedure of special courts and quasijudicial bodies shall remaineffectiveunlessdisapprovedbytheSupremeCourt.

(6)AppointallofficialsandemployeesoftheJudiciaryinaccordancewiththeCivilServicelaw.

Section19.ApportionmentofJurisdiction.Congressshalldefine,prescribeandapportionthejurisdictionofthevariouscourtsbutmaynotdeprivetheSupremeCourtofitsjurisdictionenumeratedintheimmediatelyprecedingsection.Neithershalla lawbepassed increasing itsappellate jurisdictionas thereinspecifiedwithout itsadviceandconcurrence.

NolawshallbepassedreorganizingtheJudiciarywhenitunderminesthesecurityoftenureofitsMembers.

Section20.AdministrativeSupervision.TheSupremeCourtshallhaveadministrativesupervisionoverallcourtsandthepersonnelthereof.

Section21.JudicialandBarCouncil.

(1)AJudicialandBarCouncilisherebycreatedunderthesupervisionoftheSupremeCourtcomposedoftheChiefJusticeasexofficioChairman,theSecretaryofJustice,andarepresentativeoftheCongressasex officio Member, a representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a retired Member of theSupremeCourt,andarepresentativeoftheprivatesector.

(2)TheregularmembersoftheCouncilshallbeappointedbythePresidentforatermoffour(4)yearswiththeconsentoftheCommissionofAppointments.OftheMembersfirstappointed,therepresentativeoftheIntegratedBarshallserveforfour(4)years,theprofessoroflawforthree(3)years,theretiredJusticefortwo(2)years,andtherepresentativeoftheprivatesectorforone(1)year.

(3)TheClerkoftheSupremeCourtshallbetheSecretaryexofficiooftheCouncilandshallkeeparecordofitsproceedings.

(4) The regular Members of the Council shall receive such emoluments as may be determined by theSupremeCourt.TheSupremeCourtshallprovideinitsannualbudgettheappropriationsfortheCouncil.

(5) The Council shall have the principal function of recommending appointees to the Judiciary. It mayexercisesuchotherfunctionsanddutiesastheSupremeCourtmayassigntoit.

Section22.AppointmentofMembersof Judiciary. TheMembersof theSupremeCourt and judgesof lowercourtsshallbeappointedbythePresidentfromalistofatleastthree(3)nomineespreparedbytheJudicialandBarCouncilforeveryvacancy.Suchappointmentsneednoconfirmation.

For the lowercourts, thePresidentshall issue theappointmentswithinninety (90)days fromthesubmissionofthelist.

Section 23.Prohibition Against Performing QuasiJudicial or Administrative Functions. The Members of theSupremeCourtandofothercourtsestablishedbylawshallnotbedesignatedtoanyagencyperformingquasijudicialoradministrativefunctions.

CHAPTER5CONSTITUTIONALCOMMISSIONS

Section24.ConstitutionalCommissions.TheConstitutionalCommissions,whichshallbeindependent,aretheCivilServiceCommission,theCommissiononElections,andtheCommissiononAudit.

Section25.InhibitionsAgainstConstitutionalCommissioners.NomemberofaConstitutionalCommissionshall,duringhistenure,holdanyotherofficeoremployment.Neithershallheengageinthepracticeofanyprofessionorintheactivemanagementorcontrolofanybusinesswhichinanywaymaybeaffectedbythefunctionsofhisoffice, nor shall he be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or

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privilegegrantedbytheGovernment,anyofitssubdivisions,agencies,orinstrumentalities,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries.

Section 26. Fiscal Autonomy. The Constitutional Commissions shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. The approvedannualappropriationsshallbeautomaticallyandregularlyreleased.

Section 27. Promulgation of Rules. Each Commission en banc may promulgate its own rules concerningpleadingsandpracticebefore itorbeforeanyof itsoffices.Suchruleshowevershallnotdiminish, increase,ormodifysubstantiverights.

Section28.DecisionsbytheConstitutionalCommissions.EachCommissionshalldecide,byamajorityvoteofall itsMembers,anycaseormatterbroughtbefore itwithinsixty (60)days from thedateof its submission fordecisionorresolution.Acaseormatterisdeemedsubmittedfordecisionorresolutionuponthefilingofthelastpleading, brief, ormemorandum required by the rules of theCommission or by theCommission itself. Unlessotherwise provided by the Constitution or by law, any decision, order, or ruling of each Commission may bebrought totheSupremeCourtoncertioraribytheaggrievedpartywithinthirty(30)daysfromreceiptofacopythereof.

CHAPTER6OTHERBODIES

Section29.OtherBodies.ThereshallbeinaccordancewiththeConstitution,anOfficeoftheOmbudsman,aCommission onHumanRights, an independent centralmonetary authority, and a national police commission.Likewise, as provided in the Constitution, Congress may establish an independent economic and planningagency. la w p h i1 .n e t

BOOKIII

OFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENT

TitleI

POWERSOFTHEPRESIDENT

CHAPTER1POWEROFCONTROL

Section1.PowerofControl. ThePresidentshallhavecontrolofall theexecutivedepartments,bureaus,andoffices.Heshallensurethatthelawsbefaithfullyexecuted.

CHAPTER2ORDINANCEPOWER

Section2.ExecutiveOrders. Actsof thePresidentproviding for rulesofageneralorpermanentcharacter inimplementationorexecutionofconstitutionalorstatutorypowersshallbepromulgatedinexecutiveorders.

Section 3. Administrative Orders. Acts of the President which relate to particular aspect of governmentaloperationsinpursuanceofhisdutiesasadministrativeheadshallbepromulgatedinadministrativeorders.

Section4.Proclamations.ActsofthePresidentfixingadateordeclaringastatusorconditionofpublicmomentorinterest,upontheexistenceofwhichtheoperationofaspecificlaworregulationismadetodepend,shallbepromulgatedinproclamationswhichshallhavetheforceofanexecutiveorder.

Section5.MemorandumOrders.ActsofthePresidentonmattersofadministrativedetailorofsubordinateortemporary interest which only concern a particular officer or office of the Government shall be embodied inmemorandumorders.

Section6.MemorandumCirculars.ActsofthePresidentonmattersrelatingtointernaladministration,whichthePresidentdesirestobringtotheattentionofallorsomeofthedepartments,agencies,bureausorofficesoftheGovernment,forinformationorcompliance,shallbeembodiedinmemorandumcirculars.

Section7.GeneralorSpecialOrders.ActsandcommandsofthePresidentinhiscapacityasCommanderinChiefoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesshallbeissuedasgeneralorspecialorders.

CHAPTER3POWEROVERALIENS

Section8.PowertoDeport.ThePresidentshallhavethepowertodeportalienssubjecttotherequirementsof

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dueprocess.

Section9.Power toChangeNonImmigrantStatusofAliens. ThePresident,subject to theprovisionsof law,shallhavethepower tochangethestatusofnonimmigrantsbyallowing themtoacquirepermanentresidencestatuswithoutnecessityofvisa.

Section10.PowertoCountermandDecisionsoftheBoardofCommissionersoftheBureauofImmigration.ThedecisionoftheBoardofCommissionerswhichhasjurisdictionoveralldeportationcasesshallbecomefinalandexecutory after thirty (30) days from promulgation, unless within such period the President shall order thecontrary.

Section11.PoweroverAliensundertheGeneralPrinciplesofInternationalLaw.ThePresidentshallexercisewith respect toaliens in thePhilippinessuchpowersasare recognizedby thegenerallyacceptedprinciplesofinternationallaw.

CHAPTER4POWERSOFEMINENTDOMAIN,ESCHEAT,LANDRESERVATIONANDRECOVERYOFILLGOTTEN

WEALTH

Section12.PowerofEminentDomain.ThePresidentshalldeterminewhenitisnecessaryoradvantageoustoexercise the power of eminent domain in behalf of theNationalGovernment, and direct theSolicitorGeneral,wheneverhedeemstheactionadvisable,toinstituteexpropriationproceedingsinthepropercourt.

Section13.PowertoDirectEscheatorReversionProceedings.ThePresidentshalldirecttheSolicitorGeneraltoinstituteescheatorreversionproceedingsoveralllandstransferredorassignedtopersonsdisqualifiedundertheConstitutiontoacquireland.

Section14.PowertoReserveLandsofthePublicandPrivateDomainoftheGovernment.

(1) The President shall have the power to reserve for settlement or public use, and for specific publicpurposes, anyof the landsof thepublic domain, theuseofwhich is not otherwisedirectedby law.Thereserved land shall thereafter remain subject to the specific public purpose indicated until otherwiseprovidedbylaworproclamation

(2)Heshallalsohave thepower to reserve fromsaleorotherdispositionand forspecificpublicusesorpurposes,anylandbelongingtotheprivatedomainoftheGovernment,oranyoftheFriarLands,theuseofwhichisnototherwisedirectedbylaw,andthereaftersuchlandshallbeusedforthepurposesspecifiedbysuchproclamationuntilotherwiseprovidedbylaw.

Section 15. Power over Illgotten Wealth. The President shall direct the Solicitor General to instituteproceedings to recoverpropertiesunlawfullyacquiredbypublicofficialsoremployees, from themor from theirnomineesortransferees.

Withintheperiodfixed in,oranyextensionthereofauthorizedby, theConstitution, thePresidentshallhavetheauthority to recover illgotten properties amassed by the leaders and supporters of the previous regime andprotecttheinterestofthepeoplethroughordersofsequestrationorfreezingofassetsoraccounts.

CHAPTER5POWEROFAPPOINTMENT

Section16.PowerofAppointment.ThePresidentshallexercisethepowertoappointsuchofficialsasprovidedforintheConstitutionandlaws.

Section17.PowertoIssueTemporaryDesignation.

(1) The Presidentmay temporarily designate an officer already in the government service or any othercompetentperson toperform the functionsof anoffice in theexecutivebranch,appointment towhich isvestedinhimbylaw,when:(a)theofficerregularlyappointedtotheofficeisunabletoperformhisdutiesbyreasonofillness,absenceoranyothercauseor(b)thereexistsavacancy

(2)Thepersondesignatedshallreceivethecompensationattachedtotheposition,unlessheisalreadyinthe government service in which case he shall receive only such additional compensation as, with hisexisting salary, shall not exceed the salary authorized by law for the position filled. The compensationherebyauthorizedshallbepaidoutofthefundsappropriatedfortheofficeoragencyconcerned.

(3)Innocaseshallatemporarydesignationexceedone(1)year.

CHAPTER6

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GENERALSUPERVISIONOVERLOCALGOVERNMENTS

Section18.General SupervisionOver LocalGovernments. ThePresident shall exercise general supervisionoverlocalgovernments.

CHAPTER7OTHERPOWERS

Section19.PowersUndertheConstitution.ThePresidentshallexercisesuchotherpowersasareprovidedforintheConstitution.

Section 20.Residual Powers. Unless Congress provides otherwise, the President shall exercise such otherpowersandfunctionsvestedinthePresidentwhichareprovidedforunderthelawsandwhicharenotspecificallyenumeratedabove,orwhicharenotdelegatedbythePresidentinaccordancewithlaw.

TitleII

ORGANIZATION

CHAPTER8ORGANIZATIONOFTHEOFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENT

Section21.Organization.TheOfficeofthePresidentshallconsistoftheOfficeofthePresidentProperandtheagenciesunderit.

Section22.OfficeofthePresidentProper.

(1)TheOfficeofthePresidentPropershallconsistofthePrivateOffice,theExecutiveOffice,theCommonStaffSupportSystem,andthePresidentialSpecialAssistants/AdvisersSystem

(2)TheExecutiveOfficereferstotheOfficesoftheExecutiveSecretary,DeputyExecutiveSecretariesandAssistantExecutiveSecretaries

(3) The Common Staff Support System embraces the offices or units under the general categories ofdevelopmentandmanagement,generalgovernmentadministrationandinternaladministrationand

(4)ThePresidentSpecialAssistants/AdvisersSystemincludessuchspecialassistantsoradvisersasmaybeneededbythePresident.

Section23.TheAgenciesunder theOfficeof thePresident. Theagenciesunder theOfficeof thePresidentrefertothoseofficesplacedunderthechairmanshipofthePresident,thoseunderthesupervisionandcontrolofthePresident, thoseunder theadministrativesupervisionof theOfficeof thePresident, thoseattached to it forpolicyandprogramcoordination,andthosethatarenotplacedbylaworordercreatingthemunderanyspecificdepartment.

TitleIII

FUNCTIONS

CHAPTER9FUNCTIONSOFTHEDIFFERENTOFFICESINTHEOFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENTPROPER

APRIVATEOFFICE

Section24.FunctionsofthePrivateOffice.ThePrivateOfficeshallprovidedirectservicestothePresidentandshallforthispurposeattendtofunctionsandmattersthatarepersonalorwhichpertaintotheFirstFamily.

BTHEEXECUTIVEOFFICE

Section 25.Declaration of Policy. The Executive Office shall be fully responsive to the specific needs andrequirementsofthePresidenttoachievethepurposesandobjectivesoftheOffice.

Section26.TheExecutiveSecretary,theDeputyExecutiveSecretaries,andtheAssistantExecutiveSecretaries. TheExecutiveOffice shall be headed by theExecutive Secretarywho shall be assisted by one (1) ormoreDeputyExecutiveSecretariesandone(1)ormoreAssistantExecutiveSecretaries.

Section 27.Functions of theExecutiveSecretary. The Executive Secretary shall, subject to the control andsupervisionof thePresident, carryout the functionsassignedby law to theExecutiveOfficeandshall performsuchotherdutiesasmaybedelegatedtohim.Heshall:

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(1) Directly assist the President in the management of the affairs pertaining to the Government of theRepublicofthePhilippines

(2)Implementpresidentialdirectives,ordersanddecisions

(3)Decide,forandinbehalfofthePresident,mattersnotrequiringpersonalpresidentialattention

(4)Exercisesupervisionandcontrolover thevariousunits in theOfficeof thePresidentProper includingtheirinternaladministrativerequirements

(5) Exercise supervision, in behalf of the President, over the various agencies under the Office of thePresident

(6)AppointofficialsandemployeesoftheOfficeofthePresidentwhoseappointmentsarenotvestedinthePresident

(7)ProvideoverallcoordinationintheoperationoftheExecutiveOffice

(8)DetermineandassignmatterstotheappropriateunitsintheOfficeofthePresident

(9) Have administrative responsibility formatters in theOffice of the President coming from the variousdepartmentsandagenciesofgovernment

(10)Exerciseprimaryauthority tosignpapers"Byauthorityof thePresident",attestexecutiveordersandotherpresidential issuancesunlessattestation is specificallydelegated tootherofficialsbyhimorby thePresident

(11) Determine, with the President's approval, the appropriate assignment of offices and agencies notplacedbylawunderanyspecificexecutivedepartment

(12)Provideconsultative,research,factfindingandadvisoryservicetothePresident

(13)AssistthePresidentintheperformanceoffunctionspertainingtolegislation

(14)AssistthePresidentintheadministrationofspecialprojects

(15)TakechargeofmatterspertainingtoprotocolinStateandceremonialfunctions

(16)ProvidesecretarialandclericalservicesforthePresident,theCabinet,theCouncilofState,andotheradvisorybodiestothePresident

(17)Promulgatesuchrulesandregulationsnecessarytocarryouttheobjectives,policiesandfunctionsoftheOfficeofthePresidentProper

1. PerformsuchotherfunctionsasthePresidentmaydirect.

CCOMMONSTAFFSUPPORTSYSTEM

Section 28. Functions of the Common Staff Support System. The various staff units in the Office of thePresidentPropershallformacommonstaffsupportsystemandshallbeorganizedalongthevarioustasksoftheOfficenamely:

(1)TheCabinetSecretariatwhichshallassist thePresident in theestablishmentofagendatopics for theCabinetdeliberation,orfacilitatethediscussionofcabinetmeetings.Itshallhavesuchorganization,powersandfunctionsasareprescribedbylaw

(2) The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) which shall be the primary governmental agency directlyresponsibletotheOfficeofthePresidentforprovidingstaffassistanceinthePresidentialexerciseofoverallmanagement of the development process. It shall have such organization, powers and functions as areprescribedbylaw

(3)GeneralGovernmentAdministrationStaffwhichshallprovidethePresidentwithstaffsupportonmattersconcerning general government administration relative to the operations of the national governmentincluding the provision of legal services, administrative services, staff work on political and legislativematters, information and assistance to the general public, measures toward resolution of complaintsagainstpublicofficialsandemployeesbroughttotheattentionoftheOfficeofthePresidentandsuchothermattersasthePresidentmayassign

(4) Internal Administrative Staff which shall render auxiliary and support services for the internal

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administrationoftheOfficeofthePresident.

DPRESIDENTIALASSISTANT/ADVISERSSYSTEM

Section 29.Functions of Presidential Assistants/Advisers Systems. The Special Assistants/Advisers Systemshallprovideadvisoryorconsultativeservices to thePresident insuch fieldsandundersuchconditionsas thePresidentmaydetermine.

CHAPTER10FUNCTIONSOFTHEAGENCIESUNDERTHEOFFICEOFTHEPRESIDENT

Section30.FunctionsofAgenciesUndertheOfficeofthePresident.AgenciesundertheOfficeofthePresidentshallcontinuetooperateandfunctioninaccordancewiththeirrespectivechartersorlawscreatingthem,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthisCodeorbylaw.

Section31.ContinuingAuthorityofthePresidenttoReorganizehisOffice.ThePresident,subjecttothepolicyintheExecutiveOfficeandinordertoachievesimplicity,economyandefficiency,shallhavecontinuingauthoritytoreorganizetheadministrativestructureoftheOfficeofthePresident.Forthispurpose,hemaytakeanyofthefollowingactions:

(1) Restructure the internal organization of the Office of the President Proper, including the immediateOffices, the Presidential Special Assistants/Advisers System and the Common staff Support System, byabolishing,consolidatingormergingunitsthereofortransferringfunctionsfromoneunittoanother

(2)TransferanyfunctionundertheOfficeofthePresidenttoanyotherDepartmentorAgencyaswellastransferfunctionstotheOfficeofthePresidentfromotherDepartmentsandAgenciesand

(3)Transferanyagencyunder theOfficeof thePresident toanyotherdepartmentoragencyaswellastransferagenciestotheOfficeofthePresidentfromotherdepartmentsoragencies.

BOOKIV

THEEXECUTIVEBRANCH

CHAPTER1THEDEPARTMENTS

Section1.PurposeandNumberofDepartments. TheExecutiveBranchshallhavesuchDepartmentsasarenecessaryforthefunctionaldistributionoftheworkofthePresidentandfortheperformanceoftheirfunctions.

Section2.DeclarationofPolicy.

(1) TheDepartments shall be organized andmaintained to insure their capacity to plan and implementprogramsinaccordancewithestablishednationalpolicies

(2) Bureaus and offices shall be grouped primarily on the basis ofmajor functions to achieve simplicity,economyandefficiency ingovernmentoperationsandminimizeduplicationandoverlappingof activitiesand

(3) The functions of the different Departments shall be decentralized in order to reduce red tape, freecentralofficialsfromadministrativedetailsconcerningfieldoperations,andrelievethemfromunnecessaryinvolvement in routine and localmatters. Adequate authority shall be delegated to subordinate officials.Administrativedecisionsandactionsshall,asmuchasfeasible,beatthelevelclosesttothepublic.

Section3.DepartmentProper.

(1)UnlessotherwiseprovidedinthisCodeorbylaw,theDepartmentpropershallincludetheOfficeoftheSecretaryandthestaffconsistoftheSecretaryandtheUndersecretaryorUndersecretaries,togetherwiththepersonnelintheirimmediateoffices

(2)EverySecretaryshallbeassistedbysuchnumberofUndersecretariesasmaybeprovidedforbythisCodeorbylaw

TheUndersecretaryshallperformthefunctionsasprovidedinChapter2ofthisBook

(3) Whenever necessary, Assistant Secretary position or positions may be created to form part of theDepartmentproperand

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(4) In the absence of special provisions, themajor staff units of each department shall be the serviceswhich shall include: the Planning Service, the Financial and Management Service, the AdministrativeService,andwhennecessary,theTechnicalandLegalServices.

Section 4. Jurisdiction over Bureaus, Offices, Regulatory Agencies and Government Corporations. EachDepartment shall have jurisdiction over bureaus, offices, regulatory agencies, and governmentowned orcontrolledcorporationsassignedtoitbylaw,inaccordancewiththeapplicablerelationshipasdefinedinChapter7,8,and9ofthisBook.

Section 5.Assignment ofOffices andAgencies. The President shall, by executive order, assign offices andagencies not otherwise assigned by law to any department, or indicate to which department a governmentcorporationorboardmaybeattached.

CHAPTER2SECRETARIES,UNDERSECRETARIES,ANDASSISTANTSECRETARIES

Section6.AuthorityandResponsibilityoftheSecretary.Theauthorityandresponsibilityfortheexerciseofthemandateof theDepartmentand for thedischargeof itspowersand functionsshallbevested in theSecretary,whoshallhavesupervisionandcontroloftheDepartment.

Section7.PowersandFunctionsoftheSecretary.TheSecretaryshall:

(1)Advise thePresident in issuingexecutiveorders, regulations,proclamationsandother issuances, thepromulgationofwhichisexpresslyvestedbylawinthePresidentrelativetomattersunderthejurisdictionoftheDepartment

(2) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant to the approvedprogramsofgovernments

(3) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out department objectives, policies, functions,plans,programsandprojects

(4)Promulgateadministrative issuancesnecessaryfor theefficientadministrationof theofficesunder theSecretary and for proper execution of the laws relative thereto. These issuances shall not prescribepenaltiesfortheirviolation,exceptwhenexpresslyauthorizedbylaw

(5)ExercisedisciplinarypowersoverofficersandemployeesundertheSecretary inaccordancewith law,includingtheirinvestigationandthedesignationofacommitteeorofficertoconductsuchinvestigation

(6)AppointallofficersandemployeesoftheDepartmentexceptthosewhoseappointmentsarevestedinthe President or in some other appointing authority Provided, however, that where the Department isregionalizedonadepartmentwidebasis,theSecretaryshallappointemployeestopositionsinthesecondlevelintheregionalofficesasdefinedinthisCode

(7)Exercisejurisdictionoverallbureaus,offices,agenciesandcorporationsundertheDepartmentasareprovidedbylaw,andinaccordancewiththeapplicablerelationshipsasspecifiedinChapters7,8,and9ofthisBook

(8)Delegate authority to officers and employees under theSecretary's direction in accordancewith thisCodeand

(9)Performsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

Section8.SubmissionofPerformanceEvaluationReports.TheSecretaryshallformulateandenforceasystemofmeasuringandevaluatingperiodicallyandobjectivelytheperformanceoftheDepartmentandsubmitthesameannuallytothePresident.

Section9.SubmissionofBudgetEstimates. TheSecretaryshallprepareandsubmit to thePresident throughtheDepartmentofBudgetandManagementanestimateofthenecessaryexpendituresofthedepartmentduringthenextfiscalyear,onthebasisofthereportsandestimatessubmittedbybureausandofficersunderhim.

Section10.PowersandDutiesoftheUndersecretary.TheUndersecretaryshall:

(1) Advise and assist theSecretary in the formulation and implementation of department objectives andpolicies

(2) Oversee all the operational activities of the department for which he shall be responsible to theSecretary

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(3)Coordinatetheprogramsandprojectsofthedepartmentandberesponsibleforitseconomical,efficientandeffectiveadministration

(4)ServeasdeputytotheSecretaryinallmattersrelatingtotheoperationsofthedepartment

(5) Temporarily discharge theduties of theSecretary in the latter's absenceor inability to dischargehisdutiesforanycauseorincaseofvacancyofthesaidoffice,unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw.Wheretherearemore thanoneUndersecretary, theSecretary shall allocate the foregoingpowersanddutiesamongthem.ThePresidentshalllikewisemakethetemporarydesignationofActingSecretaryfromamongthemand

(6)Performsuchotherfunctionsanddutiesasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

Section11.DutiesandFunctionsoftheAssistantSecretary.TheAssistantSecretaryshallperformsuchdutiesandfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaworassignedtohimbytheSecretary.

CHAPTER3DEPARTMENTSERVICES

Section 12. Department Services. Except as otherwise provided by law, each Department shall haveDepartment Services which shall include the Planning Service, the Financial and Management Service, theAdministrativeService,andwhenevernecessarytheTechnicalandLegalServices.

Section13.PlanningService.ThePlanningServiceshallprovidethedepartmentwitheconomical,efficientandeffective services relating to planning, programming, and project development, and discharge such otherfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.Wheretheworkofthedepartmentdoesnotcallforsubstantialplanningandprogramming, thePlanningServiceshallbeconstitutedasasingleunitwithoutsubdivisions.Wheresubstantialprimarydatagathering isessential to theoperationsof thedepartment,astatisticalunitmaybeconstitutedaspartofatechnicalservice.

Section14.Financial andManagementServices. TheFinancial andManagementServices shall advise andassist the Secretary on financial andmanagementmatters and shall perform such other functions asmay beprovidedbylaw.

Section15.AdministrativeService. TheAdministrativeServiceshallprovide theDepartmentwitheconomical,efficientandeffectiveservicesrelatingtopersonnel,legalassistance,information,records,deliveryandreceiptofcorrespondence,supplies,equipment,collections,disbursement,securityandcustodialwork.Itshallalsoperformsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

Section 16.Technical Service. Whenever necessary, one ormore technical services shall be established totakechargeoftechnicalstaffactivitiesessentialtoadepartmentandwhichcannotbeallocatedtothethreeotherservicesortothebureaus.

Section17.LegalService. ALegalServiceshallbeprovidedwhere theoperationsof thedepartment involvesubstantiallegalwork,inwhichcasetheAdministrativeServiceshallnothaveaLegalDivision.TheLegalServiceshallprovide legaladvice to thedepartment interpret lawsandrulesaffecting theoperationof thedepartmentprepare contracts and instruments to which the department is a party, and interpret provisions of contractscoveringworkperformedforthedepartmentbyprivateentitiesassistinthepromulgationofrulesgoverningtheactivitiesofthedepartmentpreparecommentsonproposedlegislationconcerningthedepartmentanswerlegalqueriesfromthepublicassisttheSolicitorGeneralinsuitsinvolvingtheDepartmentoritsofficers,oremployeesoractastheirprincipalcounselinallactionstakenintheirofficialcapacitybeforejudicialoradministrativebodiesandperformsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

WheretheworkloadofthedepartmentdoesnotwarrantaLegalServiceoraLegalDivision,thereshallbeoneormorelegalassistantsintheOfficeoftheSecretary.

CHAPTER4BUREAUS

Section18.BureausinGeneral.

(1)ABureau isanyprincipal subdivisionof thedepartmentperformingasinglemajor functionorcloselyrelatedfunctions.Bureausareeitherstafforline.

(2)EachbureaushallbeheadedbyaDirectorwhomayhaveoneormoreAssistantDirectorsasprovidedbylawand

(3) Each bureaumay have as many divisions as are provided by law for the economical, efficient and

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effectiveperformanceofitsfunctions.

Section19.StaffBureau.

(1)Astaffbureaushallprimarilyperformpolicy,programdevelopmentandadvisoryfunctions.

(2)TheDirectorofastaffbureaushall:

(a) Advise and assist the Office of the Secretary on matters pertaining to the Bureau's area ofspecialization

(b)Provideconsultativeandadvisoryservicestotheregionalofficesofthedepartment

(c)Developplans,programs,operatingstandards,andadministrativetechniquesfortheattainmentoftheobjectivesandfunctionsofthebureauand

(d)Performsuchotherdutiesasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

(3)Thestaffbureaushallavailitselfoftheplanning,financialandadministrativeservicesinthedepartmentproper.Thebureaumayhaveaseparateadministrativedivision,ifcircumstancessowarrant.

Section20.LineBureau.

(1)Alinebureaushalldirectlyimplementprogramsadoptedpursuanttodepartmentpoliciesandplans.

(2)TheDirectorofalinebureaushall:

(a)Exercisesupervisionandcontroloveralldivisionandotherunits,includingregionaloffices,underthebureau

(b) Establish policies and standards for the operations of the bureau pursuant to the plans andprogramsofthedepartment

(c)Promulgaterulesandregulationsnecessarytocarryoutbureauobjectives,policiesandfunctionsand

(d)Performsuchotherdutiesasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

1. Thelinebureaumayhavestaffunits,asmaybenecessary,correspondingtotheservicesofthedepartmentproper.Ifthebureauissmall,onlyasingleunitperformingcombinedstafffunctionsmaybeprovided.

CHAPTER5FIELDOFFICES

Section21.RegionalOffices.RegionalOfficesshallbeestablishedaccordingtolawdefiningfieldserviceareas.TheadministrativeregionsshallbecomposedofaNationalCapitalRegionandRegionsI toXII.Provincialanddistrictofficesmaybeestablishedonlybylawwhenevernecessary.

Section22.IntegrationofFieldService.Exceptasotherwiseprovidedbylawandwhentheneedsoftheservicesorequire,thedepartmentoragencyshallorganizeanintegratedregionalofficeonadepartmentoragencywidebasis.

Section23.AdministrationofRegionalOffice.TheregionalofficeshallbeheadedbyaRegionalDirectorwhomay be assisted by one (1) Assistant Regional Director, except as may otherwise be provided by law. TheRegional Director shall be responsible for department or agency functions performed in the region under hisjurisdiction.

Section24.SupervisionofRegionalOffices.

(1)Wheneverthefunctionoractivityofadepartmentoragencyrequirescentralorinterregionalaction,thefunctionmay be performed by the regional offices under the supervision and control of the departmentproperorlinebureauconcerned.

(2)Thestaffbureauordivisionshallperformprimarilyadvisoryorauxiliaryfunctionsandexerciseinbehalfofthedepartmentoragencyfunctionalsupervisionovertheregionaloffices.Thisshallincludeauthoritytodevelopand set down standards, policies andprocedures to be implementedby operatingunits, and toevaluatecontinuouslysuch implementation for thepurposeof recommendingorwhenauthorized, takingcorrectivemeasures.

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Section25.OrganizationofRegionalOffices.Regionalofficesorganizedonadepartmentwidebasisshallhaveunits or personnel in which the functional areas of the staff bureaus and services in the department shall berepresented.Regionalofficesofa linebureaumayhaveunitsorpersonnel inwhichthefunctionalareasof theprimaryunitsofthebureauarerepresented.Relatedfunctionsofregionalunitsshallbeconsolidated.

Section26.FunctionsofaRegionalOffice.

(1)Aregionalofficeshall:

(a)Implementlaws,policies,plans,programs,rulesandregulationsofthedepartmentoragencyintheregionalarea

(b)Provideeconomical,efficientandeffectiveservicetothepeopleinthearea

(c)Coordinatewithregionalofficesofotherdepartments,bureausandagenciesinthearea

(d)Coordinatewithlocalgovernmentunitsintheareaand

(e)Performsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaw.

(2)Districtofficesmaybeestablishedonlyincasesofclearnecessity.

Section27.DutiesofaRegionalDirector.TheRegionalDirectorshall:

(1)Implementlaws,policies,rulesandregulationswithintheresponsibilityoftheagency

(2)Implementagencyprogramsintheregion

(3)Exercisethemanagementfunctionsofplanningorganizing,directingandcontrolling

(4) Appoint personnel to positions in the first level and casual and seasonal employees and exercisedisciplinaryactionsovertheminaccordancewiththeCivilServiceLaw

(5)Approvesick,vacationandmaternityleavesofabsencewithorwithoutpay,foraperiodnotbeyondoneyear

(6)Prepareandsubmitbudgetproposalsfortheregiontothecentraloffice,administerthebudgetoftheregional office, authorizedisbursement of fundspursuant to approved financial andwork programs, andadministerthebudgetcontrolmachineryintheregion

(7)Approverequisitionforsupplies,materialsandequipment,aswellasbooksandperiodicals,andotheritemsfortheregion,inaccordancewiththeapprovedsupplyprocurementprogram

(8)Negotiateandenter intocontracts forservicesor furnishingsupplies,materialsandequipment to theregionalofficeinvolvinganamountnotexceedingfiftythousandpesos(P50,000.00)withinagivenquarter,provided that authority in excess of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)may be further authorized by theproperdepartmentoragencyhead

(9)Approveclaimsforbenefitsunderexistinglaws

(10)Approverequestsforovertimeservices

(11) Promote coordination among the regional offices, and between his regional office and localgovernmentunitsintheregion

(12)Providehousekeepingservicesfortheregionaloffice

(13)Approveapplicationofpersonnelforpermissiontoteach,exerciseaprofession,orengageinbusinessoutsideofofficehoursinaccordancewithstandardsandguidelinesoftheCivilServiceCommission

(14)Issuetravelvouchersauthorizingemployeestotravelonofficialbusinesswithintheregionforaperiodnotexceedingthirtydays

(15)Approveattendanceofpersonnelinconferences,seminars,andnondegreetrainingprogramswithintheregion

(16)Authorizetheallocationoffundstoprovincial/districtofficesand

(17)Performsuchotherdutiesandfunctionsasmaybeprovidedbylaworfurtherdelegatedbythehead

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ofagencyorotherproperauthoritiesconcerned.

Section 28. Review of Acts of Regional Director. Nothing in the preceding Section shall be construed as alimitationonthepoweroftheSecretarytoreviewandmodify,alterorreverseanyactionoftheRegionalDirector,ortoinitiatepromotionsandtransfersofpersonnelfromoneregiontoanother.

CHAPTER6POWERSANDDUTIESOFHEADSOFBUREAUSOROFFICES

Section29.PowersandDutiesinGeneral.Theheadofbureauorofficeshallbeitschiefexecutiveofficer.Heshallexerciseoverallauthority inmatterswithin the jurisdictionof thebureau,officeoragency, including thoserelatingtoitsoperations,andenforcealllawsandregulationspertainingtoit.

Section 30.Authority to Appoint andDiscipline. The head of bureau or office shall appoint personnel to allpositions inhisbureauoroffice, inaccordancewith law. In thecaseof the linebureauoroffice, theheadshallalsoappointthesecondlevelpersonneloftheregionaloffices,unlesssuchpowerhasbeendelegated.HeshallhavetheauthoritytodisciplineemployeesinaccordancewiththeCivilServiceLaw.

Section31.DutiesofAssistantHeadsandSubordinates.

(1)Assistantheadsandothersubordinatesineverybureauorofficeshallperformsuchdutiesasmayberequiredbylaworregulations,orasmaybespecifiedbytheirsuperiorsnototherwiseinconsistentwithlaw

(2)Theheadofbureauorofficemay, in the interestofeconomy,designate theassistanthead toactaschief of any division or unit within the organization, in addition to his duties, without additionalcompensationand

(3) In theabsenceof special restrictionprescribedby law,nothingshall preventa subordinateofficeroremployee from being assigned additional duties by proper authority, when not inconsistent with theperformanceofthedutiesimposedbylaw.

Section32.ActingHeadofBureauorOffice. Incaseof theabsenceordisabilityof theheadofabureauoroffice, his duties shall be performed by the assistant head.When there are two ormore assistant heads, theSecretary shallmake the designation. In the absence of an assistant head, the Secretarymay designate anyofficeroremployeeofthebureauorofficeasactingheadwithoutadditionalcompensation.

Section 33. Performance of Duties of Subordinate Officers Temporarily Absent. In case of the temporaryabsence or disability of any subordinate officer or employee in any bureau or office, its headmay, subject toexistinglaws,rulesandregulations,designateanyothersubordinateofficeroremployeewithintheorganizationtoperformtemporarilythedutiesoftheabsentordisabledperson.

Section 34. Filling of Vacancies. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or removal of any officer orsubordinatemaybetemporarilyfilledinthesamemannerasinthecaseoftemporaryabsenceordisability.Thevacancies shall not be filled by permanent appointment, until the expiration of any leave allowable to thepredecessor,unlesstheexigenciesoftheservicerequirethattheappointmentbemadeimmediately.

Section35.PowertoRequireBonds.

(1)Theheadofeachbureauorofficeshall,consistentwithlaw,rulesandregulations,prescribetheformandfixtheamountofallbondsexecutedbyprivatepartiestothegovernmentunderthelawspertainingtohisbureauoroffice.Heshallpassonthesufficiencyofthesecurityandretainpossessionofthebond.

(2)When itappears thatanysuchbond is insufficient, theheadmay requireadditionalsecurity.Hemaywithdraw theprivilegesecuredby thebondupon failureof theparty togiveadditionalsecuritywithin theperiod fixed in the notice, but such an action shall be without prejudice to the liability of any person orpropertyalreadyobligated.

Section36.AuthoritytoPrescribeFormsandIssueRegulations.

(1) The head of a bureau or office shall prescribe forms and issue circulars or orders to secure theharmoniousandefficientadministrationofhisbureauorofficeandtocarryintofulleffectthelawsrelatingtomatterswithinhis jurisdiction.Penaltiesshallnotbeprescribed inanycircularororder for itsviolation,exceptasexpresslyallowedbylaw

(2)Headsofbureausorofficesareauthorizedtoissueordersregardingtheadministrationoftheirinternalaffairsfortheguidanceoforcompliancebytheirofficersandemployees

(3)Regionaldirectorsareauthorized to issuecircularsofpurely informationor implementingnatureand

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orders relating to the administration of the internal affairs of regional offices and units within theirsupervisionand

(4) Issuancesunderparagraphs (2)and (3)hereof shall not require, for theireffectivity,approvalby theSecretaryorotherauthority.

Section37.AnnualReports.

(1)AllheadsofbureausorofficesofthenationalgovernmentshallrenderannualreportstotheirrespectiveSecretariesonorbeforethelastdayofFebruaryofeachyear.

(2) The reports shall contain concise statements of accomplishments and assessment of the progressattained in terms of approved programs and projects, including pertinent financial statements onexpendituresincurredintheirimplementationduringthecalendaryear.Broadrecommendationsandplansforundertakingworkduringtheensuingperiodshallbeincludedtogetherwithmattersspecificallyrequiredbylaworregulationtobeincorporatedtherein.

CHAPTER7ADMINISTRATIVERELATIONSHIP

Section38.DefinitionofAdministrativeRelationship.UnlessotherwiseexpresslystatedintheCodeorinotherlawsdefiningthespecialrelationshipsofparticularagencies,administrativerelationshipsshallbecategorizedanddefinedasfollows:

(1) Supervision andControl. Supervision and control shall include authority to act directly whenever aspecificfunctionisentrustedbylaworregulationtoasubordinatedirecttheperformanceofdutyrestrainthecommissionofacts review,approve, reverseormodifyactsanddecisionsofsubordinateofficialsorunits 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 therelationshipofparticularagencies,theword"control"shallencompasssupervisionandcontrolasdefinedinthisparagraph.

(2) Administrative Supervision. (a) Administrative supervision which shall govern the administrativerelationshipbetweenadepartmentoritsequivalentandregulatoryagenciesorotheragenciesasmaybeprovidedbylaw,shallbelimitedtotheauthorityofthedepartmentoritsequivalenttogenerallyoverseetheoperationsofsuchagenciesand to insure that theyaremanagedeffectively,efficientlyandeconomicallybut without interference with daytoday activities or require the submission of reports and cause theconduct of management audit, performance evaluation and inspection to determine compliance withpolicies, standards and guidelines of the department to take such action asmay be necessary for theproper performance of official functions, including rectification of violations, abuses and other forms ofmaladministrationandtoreviewandpassuponbudgetproposalsofsuchagenciesbutmaynotincreaseoraddtothem

(b) Such authority shall not, however, extend to: (1) appointments and other personnel actions inaccordancewith thedecentralizationofpersonnel functionsunder theCode,exceptappeal ismadefromanactionoftheappointingauthority,inwhichcasetheappealshallbeinitiallysenttothedepartmentoritsequivalent,subjecttoappealinaccordancewithlaw(2)contractsenteredintobytheagencyinthepursuitofitsobjectives,thereviewofwhichandotherproceduresrelatedtheretoshallbegovernedbyappropriatelaws, rules and regulations and (3) the power to review, reverse, revise, or modify the decisions ofregulatoryagenciesintheexerciseoftheirregulatoryorquasijudicialfunctionsand

(c) Unless a different meaning is explicitly provided in the specific law governing the relationship ofparticular agencies, theword "supervision" shall encompassadministrative supervisionasdefined in thisparagraph.

(3)Attachment.(a)Thisreferstothelateralrelationshipbetweenthedepartmentoritsequivalentandtheattachedagencyorcorporationforpurposesofpolicyandprogramcoordination.Thecoordinationmaybeaccomplished by having the department represented in the governing board of the attached agency orcorporation, either as chairman or as amember,with orwithout voting rights, if this is permitted by thecharterhavingtheattachedcorporationoragencycomplywithasystemofperiodicreportingwhichshallreflecttheprogressofprogramsandprojectsandhavingthedepartmentoritsequivalentprovidegeneralpoliciesthroughitsrepresentativeintheboard,whichshallserveastheframeworkfortheinternalpoliciesoftheattachedcorporationoragency

(b)Matters of daytoday administration or all those pertaining to internal operations shall be left to thediscretionorjudgmentoftheexecutiveofficeroftheagencyorcorporation.IntheeventthattheSecretaryand theheadof theboardor theattachedagencyor corporationstronglydisagreeon the interpretation

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and application of policies, and the Secretary is unable to resolve the disagreement, he shall bring themattertothePresidentforresolutionanddirection

(c)Governmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsattached toadepartmentshallsubmit to theSecretaryconcernedtheirauditedfinancialstatementswithinsixty(60)daysafterthecloseofthefiscalyearand

(d)Pendingsubmissionof the required financialstatements, thecorporationshallcontinue tooperateonthebasisof theprecedingyear'sbudgetuntil the financialstatementsshallhavebeensubmitted.Shouldanygovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationincuranoperationdeficitatthecloseof itsfiscalyear, itshallbesubjecttoadministrativesupervisionofthedepartmentandthecorporation'soperatingandcapitalbudgetshallbesubjecttothedepartment'sexamination,review,modificationandapproval.

CHAPTER8SUPERVISIONANDCONTROL

Section39.Secretary'sAuthority.

(1)TheSecretaryshallhavesupervisionandcontrolover thebureaus,offices,andagenciesunderhim,subjecttothefollowingguidelines:

(a) Initiative and freedom of action on the part of subordinate units shall be encouraged andpromoted, rather than curtailed, and reasonable opportunity to act shall be afforded those unitsbeforecontrolisexercised

(b)With respect to functions involvingdiscretion,experienced judgmentorexpertisevestedby lawuponasubordinateagency,controlshallbeexercisedinaccordancewithsaidlawand

(c)Withrespecttoanyregulatoryfunctionofanagencysubjecttodepartmentcontrol,theauthorityofthedepartmentshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsofChapter9ofthisbook.

(2)ThisChaptershallnotapply tochartered institutionsorgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsattachedtothedepartment.

Section 40.Delegation of Authority. The Secretary or the head of an agency shall have authority over andresponsibility for itsoperation.Heshalldelegatesuchauthority to thebureauandregionaldirectorsasmaybenecessary for them to implement plans and programs adequately. Delegated authority shall be to the extentnecessary for economical, efficient and effective implementation of national and local programs in accordancewith policies and standards developed by each department or agency with the participation of the regionaldirectors.Thedelegationshallbe inwritingshall indicate towhichofficerorclassofofficersoremployees thedelegation is made and shall vest sufficient authority to enable the delegate to discharge his assignedresponsibility.

Section41.LineBureauAuthority.

(1)Linebureausofadepartmentshallexercisesupervisionandcontrolovertheirregionalandotherfieldoffices.Theyshallbedirectlyresponsibleforthedevelopmentandimplementationofplansandprogramswithintheirrespectivefunctionalspecializationsand

(2)Theregionalandotherfieldofficesshallconstitutetheoperatingarmsofthebureauconcernedforthedirect implementation of the plans and programs drawn up in accordance with approved policies andstandards.Ascounterpartsofthebureauintheregion,theyshallundertakebureauoperationswithintheirrespectivejurisdictions,andbedirectlyresponsibletotheirbureaudirector.

CHAPTER9RELATIONSHIPSOFGOVERNMENTOWNEDORCONTROLLEDCORPORATIONSANDREGULATORY

AGENCIESTOTHEDEPARTMENT

Section 42.GovernmentOwned or Controlled Corporations. Governmentowned or controlled corporationsshallbeattachedtotheappropriatedepartmentwithwhichtheyhavealliedfunctions,ashereinafterprovided,orasmaybeprovidedbyexecutiveorder,forpolicyandprogramcoordinationandforgeneralsupervisionprovidedinpertinentprovisionsofthisCode.

Inordertofullyprotecttheinterestsofthegovernmentingovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,atleastonethird (1/3) of the members of the Boards of such corporations should either be a Secretary, orUndersecretary,orAssistantSecretary.

Section43.RegulatoryAgencies.

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(1)A regulatoryagencyshallbesubject to theadministrativesupervisionof thedepartmentunderwhichtheyareplaced,exceptwhentheyaregovernmentcorporations inwhichcasetheyshallbegovernedbytheprovisionsoftheprecedingsection

(2)Theheadsof regulatoryagenciesshallsubmitannually, for theapprovalof theSecretaryconcerned,theirbudgetsandworkplanswhichshallbethebasisoftheirdaytodayoperationsand

(3)The regulatoryagenciesmayavail themselvesof thecommonauxiliaryandmanagementservicesofthedepartmentasmaybeconvenientandeconomicalfortheiroperations.

CHAPTER10APPOINTMENTSANDQUALIFICATIONS

Section44.AppointmentofSecretaries. TheSecretariesofDepartmentsshallbeappointedby thePresidentwiththeconsentoftheCommissiononAppointments,atthebeginningofhistermofoffice,andshallholdoffice,unless sooner removed, until the expiration of his term of office, or until their successors shall have beenappointedandqualified.

Section45.QualificationsofSecretaries.TheSecretariesshallbecitizensofthePhilippinesandnotlessthantwentyfiveyearsofage.

Section46.AppointmentsofUndersecretariesandAssistantSecretaries. TheUndersecretariesandAssistantSecretaries of Departments shall, upon the nomination of the Secretary of the Department concerned, beappointedbythePresident.

Section47.Appointment tootherSeniorPositionsand theirEquivalents. Directors andAssistantDirectors ofBureaus,RegionalandAssistantRegionalDirectors,DepartmentServiceChiefs,and theirEquivalentsshallbeappointedbythePresidentinaccordancewithlaw,rulesandregulations.

Section 48. Disqualification of the spouse and relatives of the President. The spouse and relatives byconsanguinityoraffinitywithinthefourthcivildegreeofthePresidentshallnotduringhistenurebeappointedasSecretaries, Undersecretaries, Chairmen or heads of bureaus or offices including governmentowned orcontrolledcorporationsandtheirsubsidiaries.

Section 49. Inhibitions Against HoldingMore than TwoPositions. Even, if allowed by law or by the primaryfunctionsofhisposition,amemberoftheCabinet,undersecretary,assistantsecretaryorotherappointiveofficialof the Executive Departmentmay, in addition to his primary position, hold notmore than two positions in thegovernment and governmentowned corporations and receive the corresponding compensation therefor:Provided, that this limitationshallnotapply toadhocbodiesorcommittees,or toboards,councilsorbodiesofwhichthePresidentistheChairman.

IfaSecretary,Undersecretary,AssistantSecretaryorotherappointiveofficialoftheExecutiveDepartmentholdsmorepositionsthanwhatisallowedintheprecedingparagraph,hemustrelinquishtheexcesspositionsinfavorofasubordinateofficialwho isnext inrank,but innocaseshallanyofficialholdmorethantwopositionsotherthanhisprimaryposition.

CHAPTER11ADMINISTRATIVEISSUANCES

Section 50.General Classification of Issuances. The administrative issuances of Secretaries and heads ofbureaus,officesoragenciesshallbeintheformofcircularsororders.

(1) Circulars shall refer to issuances prescribing policies, rules and regulations, and procedurespromulgated pursuant to law, applicable to individuals and organizations outside the Government anddesigned to supplement provisions of the law or to provide means for carrying them out, includinginformationrelatingtheretoand

(2)Ordersshallrefertoissuancesdirectedtoparticularoffices,officials,oremployees,concerningspecificmatters including assignments, detail and transfer of personnel, for observance or compliance by allconcerned.

Section51.NumberingSystemofIssuances.Everycircularororderissuedpursuanttotheprecedingsectionshallproperlybeidentifiedassuchandchronologicallynumbered.Eachclassofissuanceshallbeginwithnumber1ofeachcalendaryear.

Section52.OfficialLogbook.Eachdepartment,bureau,officeoragencyshallkeepandpreservealogbookinwhichshallberecordedinchronologicalorder,allfinalofficialacts,decisions,transactionsorcontracts,pertainingtothedepartment,bureau,officeoragency.Whenevertheperformanceofanofficialactisinissue,thedateand

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thetimerecordinthelogbookshallbecontrolling.ThelogbookshallbeinthecustodyofthechiefAdministrativeOfficerconcernedandshallbeopentothepublicforinspection.

Section53.GovernmentwideApplicationoftheClassificationofIssuances.

(1) The RecordsManagement and Archives Office in the General Services Administration shall providesuch assistance as may be necessary to effect general adherence to the foregoing classification ofissuances, including the conduct of studies for developing subclassifications and guidelines to meetpeculiarneedsand

(2) All administrative issuances of a general or permanent character shall be compiled, indexed andpublishedpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisCode.

CHAPTER12MISCELLANEOUSRECEIPTS

Section54.ChargesforPropertySoldorServicesRenderedRefunds.

(1)Forservicesrequiredbylawtoberenderedforafee,forsuppliesfurnished,orarticlesofanykindsoldto other divisions of the government or to any person, the head of bureau, office or agencymay, uponapprovalof theSecretarychargeandcollect thecostof theservice,supplies,orarticlesorother rate inexcess 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 inexcessofcostbytheboardsorcouncilsconcerned

(2) The officer authorized to fix the amount to be paid for service rendered and supplies or articlesfurnishedorsoldmayrecommendthatthewholeorpartofanysumsopaidberefunded,uponapprovaloftheCommissiononAudit.

Section55.DispositionofMiscellaneousBureauReceipts.Intheabsenceofspecialprovision,moneycollectedfor property sold or service rendered, and all other receipts or earnings of bureaus, offices, and agencies notderivedfromtaxation,shallaccruetothegeneralunappropriatedfundsoftheNationalGovernment.

Section56.PrintingofStudiesandResearches.WiththeapprovaloftheSecretary,abureau,office,oragencymayprint its studies, researchesandsimilarmaterials for distributionat cost to thepublic.TheSecretarymayauthorizetheprintingorreprintingofthesaidmaterialsbyprivatepersonsforsaletothepublicuponpaymentofsuchroyaltiesasmaybefixedbyhim,whichshallaccruetothegeneralfund.

CHAPTER13CONTRACTS

Section57.ConveyancesandContractstowhichtheGovernmentisaParty.Anydeed,instrumentorcontractconveying the title torealestateor toanyotherproperty thevalueofwhichdoesnotexceedfiftymillionpesos(P50,000,000)awardedthroughpublicbidding,andfivemillionpesos(P5,000,000)awardedthroughnegotiation,shallbeexecutedandsignedbytherespectiveSecretaryonbehalfoftheGovernmentofthePhilippines.Wherethevalueofthepropertyexceedstheaforesaidceilings,suchdeed,instrumentorcontractshallbeexecutedandsignedbythePresidentofthePhilippinesonbehalfoftheGovernment.

Section58.CeilingforInfrastructureContracts.Thefollowingshallbetheceilingsforallcivilworks,constructionandothercontractsforinfrastructureprojects,includingsupplycontractsforsaidprojects,awardedthroughpublicbidding or through negotiation, which may be approved by the Secretaries of Public Works and Highways,Transportation andCommunications, LocalGovernmentwith respect toRuralRoad ImprovementProject, andgoverningboardsofgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations:

AwardedthroughPublicBidding

AwardedthroughNegotiation

a. SecretaryofPublicWorksandHighways P100Mil. P10Mil.

b. SecretaryofTransportationandCommunications

100Mil. 10Mil.

c. SecretaryofLocalGovernmentwithrespecttotheRuralRoadImprovementProject

100Mil. 2Mil.

d. GovernmentBoardsofInfrastructureCorporations(NationalPowerCorporation,NationalIrrigationAdministration,Metropolitan

50Mil. 5Mil.

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WaterworksandSewerageSystem,NationalHousingAuthority,PhilippinePortAuthority,NationalElectrificationAdmin

eo 292 revised administrative code

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