Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 178)
The Public Service Commission is composed of one Public Service Commissioner and two Associate Commissioners.
They must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, at least 30 years old, members of the Bar of the Philippines, and appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
They hold office until they reach the age of seventy years or are removed according to the procedure prescribed in Section 173 of the Revised Administrative Code.
Such cases are heard by the Commission en banc, and the affirmative vote of at least two Commissioners is necessary for a decision or order.
The Public Service Commissioner receives eleven thousand pesos annually, and each Associate Commissioner receives ten thousand pesos annually.
The Public Service Commissioner has general executive control, direction, and supervision over the work and personnel of the Commission.
The office is in the City of Manila, and the Commission may hold hearings at various times and places within the Philippines as designated by written order.
The People's Counsel represents the public in proceedings before the Commission to ensure just and reasonable rates, represents users' interests, investigates services and rates, and takes necessary steps to protect public interests.
They must have the qualifications of a provincial fiscal and are appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments; employees are appointed by the Secretary of Justice upon recommendation.
No, they must not intervene in management or control or have any financial interest in any public service while in office.
The People's Counsel can issue subpoenas and subpoena duces tecum, call upon government officers or employees for assistance, and perform investigations concerning services, rates, and property valuations.
The chief of the legal division or any other attorney of the Commission represents it; the Solicitor General may represent the Commission upon special request.
During April and May each year, one Commissioner must be on duty while the other two are on vacation, rotating this duty every three years; the Secretary of Justice may require additional service during vacation for public interest.