Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 1283)
The Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands, by and with the consent of the Philippine Commission, appoints these officials for the Moro Province.
Yes, the provincial governor, secretary, and engineer may be officers of the Army detailed by the Commanding General of the Division of the Philippines to perform civil duties.
The superintendent can establish schools in every municipality, rancheria, township, or settlement deemed practicable and useful and reorganize existing ones.
English is the basis of public school instruction; Spanish, Moro, or local languages may also be taught.
The legislative council can amend and modify substantive civil and criminal law to suit local conditions among Moros and other non-Christian inhabitants, conforming to local customs and usages when practicable.
Justices of the peace do not have jurisdiction to try civil or criminal cases where parties or accused are Moros or members of other non-Christian tribes, except as provided for towns or places not organized into municipalities.
The governor and secretary of each district serve as justices of tribal ward courts, with additional auxiliary justices appointed as needed.
All revenues accruing to the Moro Province under the law shall accrue to the Moro Province treasury without division and be expended at the discretion of the legislative council for provincial, district, and municipal purposes.
Appeals from tribal ward court judgments go to the Court of First Instance of the district, and the action is tried de novo on appeal.
The district treasurer no longer acts as register of property but may receive and forward land documents to the provincial register of deeds; such receipts are not considered filings or registrations.