Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 51)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 51 is to authorize the President of the Philippines to reorganize the different executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and other instrumentalities of the government within one year to promote simplicity, economy, and efficiency.
The President of the Philippines is authorized to reorganize the executive departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and other instrumentalities of the government as well as government-owned or controlled corporations.
The President may exercise the reorganization powers within a period not exceeding one year from the date of the approval of Republic Act No. 51.
The President can diminish, add to, or abolish existing departments; create new ones; consolidate related undertakings; transfer functions, appropriations, equipment, property, records, and personnel; eliminate duplicated services or authorize new ones; classify, combine, split, or abolish positions; and standardize salaries to promote efficiency and economy.
Yes, all reforms and changes must be within the limits of the total authorized appropriation for the fiscal year 1947.
They shall not lose their civil service eligibility for a period of ten years from their separation and are given preference for reappointment to new positions if additional personnel are needed.
The Commissioner of Civil Service makes recommendations regarding the appointment of employees separated due to the reorganization.
The President must immediately report any action taken pursuant to this Act to Congress.
They are valid and subsisting until Congress provides otherwise.
The Act took effect upon its approval on October 4, 1946.