Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 130-13)
The act creates the Department of Health and Welfare in the City of Manila, defines its powers and duties, and amends certain sections of Chapter Sixty of the Administrative Code to implement this.
The city departments under the mayor's control include: 1) Department of Engineering and Public Works, 2) Police Department, 3) Law Department, 4) Fire Department, 5) Department of Finance, 6) Department of Assessment, and 7) Department of Health and Welfare.
The City Health Officer is appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly.
The duties include general supervision of health and sanitation conditions; charging fees for sanitation services; supervision over puericulture centers and social services; authority to declare nuisances that affect health; enforcement of public health laws; recommending health ordinances; prosecuting sanitary violations; conducting sanitary inspections; and performing duties directed by the Director of Health.
The City Health Officer can declare any lot or ground that causes stagnant or foul water or is a nuisance/menace to public health, and must communicate this to the Mayor to require correction.
The Director of Health assumes full control of the health and sanitation services of the city until the condition ceases to exist.
The City Engineer is in charge of engineering and public works with duties including surveying, supervising public improvements, maintaining public buildings, regulating private buildings, managing public streets and parks, collecting and disposing of refuse, supervising docks and waterways, and regulating water supply and gas supply systems.
The Secretary of the Interior has the power to consolidate any city department, division, or office with others upon the mayor's recommendation.
All expenses for the operation of the Department of Health and Welfare, including salaries and wages of personnel transferred from the Bureau of Health, shall be charged to the City of Manila's account.
The act took effect on July 1, 1940, but the President of the Philippines may suspend reorganization if the public interest requires it.