Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 1495)
The position of Consulting Architect is created in the Department of Commerce and Police.
The Consulting Architect is appointed by the Governor-General with the consent of the Philippine Commission.
The Consulting Architect shall be paid at the rate of twelve thousand pesos per annum.
The Consulting Architect's duties include advising the Governor-General, the Philippine Commission, the Director of Public Works, and the Municipal Board of Manila on architectural matters concerning public buildings and monuments of permanent character; preparing plans, specifications, and estimates; supervising architectural features of government constructions and landscape gardening; interpreting the Burnham plans and preparing architectural details.
The general plan prepared by D. H. Burnham, commonly known as the Burnham plan for the improvement of Manila and Baguio, are adopted as bases for the future development of these places.
Yes, the Consulting Architect is permitted to engage in private work and receive compensation, provided it does not interfere with his official duties.
Yes, the Government can call upon the Consulting Architect for overtime or holiday work without additional compensation if necessity arises.
The Municipal Board must request the written opinion and recommendation of the Consulting Architect before expending any appropriation for construction, repairs, or modifications affecting architectural appearance or modifying the Burnham plans.
The term 'government' includes the Insular, provincial, and municipal governments of the Philippine Islands.
The engineers, draftsmen, stenographers, and office force necessary for the Consulting Architect are assigned by the Director of Public Works and paid from the appropriation of the Bureau of Public Works.