Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 458)
Presidential Decree No. 458 amends Presidential Decree No. 1 dated September 24, 1972, specifically Part X of the Integrated Reorganization Plan, by separating the Bureau of Public Highways from the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications and creating it as a separate Department of Public Highways. It reorganizes the functions, organization, and structure of the relevant government bodies.
The Department of Public Highways was created by separating the Bureau of Public Highways from the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications.
It is composed of the Department Proper which includes the immediate Office of the Secretary, the Planning Service, the Administrative Service, and the Financial and Management Service; two bureaus namely the Bureau of Construction and Maintenance and the Bureau of Equipment; and the Regional and District Offices.
The Department Proper has direct line supervision over the bureaus and regional offices and is responsible for developing and implementing programs on the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and airport runways.
This Bureau formulates and develops policies, plans, programs, and standards for construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and airport runways. It also provides working guidelines for the operating units of the Department and evaluates policies, plans, and standards.
The Bureau is headed by a Director assisted by an Assistant Director. It is composed of the Design Division, Construction Division, Soils and Materials Division, and Maintenance Division.
The Design Division undertakes structural and architectural designs for roads, bridges, and airport runways, including surveys, specifications, and cost estimates. It sets uniform design standards and performs design work for highly complex projects.
The Bureau of Equipment manages and controls all equipment belonging to the Department, including repair, maintenance, and allocation to department field offices.
There are eleven Regional Offices responsible for the general supervision, direction, evaluation, and coordination of the Department’s operations within the region. They administer projects, allocate equipment and materials, approve work programs and personnel appointments under delegated authority, and undertake design work for less complex projects.
District Offices implement and execute the Department’s policies, plans, and programs relating to construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and airport runways. They coordinate with other government units and submit planning proposals and statistical data to the Regional Offices.
It consists of the Department Proper and six bureaus: Bureau of Public Works, Bureau of Ports and Harbors, Bureau of Transportation, Bureau of Posts, Bureau of Telecommunications, and the Telecommunications Control Bureau (formerly Radio Control Office). It also supervises several boards and attached government corporations.
The Ports, Harbors and Reclamation Division was separated from the Bureau of Public Works and converted into a standalone Bureau of Ports and Harbors.
It is responsible for construction, maintenance, and repair of ports, harbors, shore protection works, navigational aids, dredging and clearing of waterways, and reclamation of foreshore lands and swamps.
The Secretary adopts and promulgates rules and regulations for departmental policies, exercises general supervision and control over bureaus and offices within the Department, advises the President on related matters, and may delegate authority for departmental functions.
The Undersecretary of Public Highways shall temporarily perform the functions of the Secretary when the latter is unable to perform duties or the office is vacant.