Chapter I: REORGANIZATION OF DEPARTMENTS.--The Reorganization Act, as finally

passed by the Philippine Legislature (Act No. 2666 as amended by Act No. 2803), has provided the Philippine government with a more logical and scientific grouping of bureaus and offices. It has given the new department heads more authority and power over the offices and bureaus under them. They are now empowered to promulgate rules, regulations, orders, circulars, memorandums, and other instructions for the harmonious and efficient administration of each and all of the offices and dependencies of each department. Secretaries of departments may be called by either of the two Houses of the Legislature for the purpose of reporting on matters pertaining to their departments. In this case they are also responsible to the two Houses. The six departments created by the Reorganization Act correspond to the six principal purposes of a fairly well organized government, to wit:

[Functions of the Departments]

(1) The maintenance of order and political direction of local administrative units, such as departments, provincial and municipal governments, and special governments--the Department of Interior;

(2) The guardianship of the State over the mental development and physical welfare of the citizens--the Department of Public Instruction;

(3) The collection of the public revenues and administration of the finances and business of the government--the Department of Finance;

(4) The enforcement of the law and safeguarding of the citizens and their rights--the Department of Justice;

(5) The guardianship in connection with the preservation of the natural resources and the development of the country's sources of wealth--the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and

(6) The carrying out of such work and services as cannot be performed by private citizens, conducive to the common welfare and public prosperity--the Department of Commerce and Communications.