Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 157)
Republic Act No. 157 creates a Bureau of Investigation under the Department of Justice with the function to undertake investigations of crimes and other offenses against Philippine laws, render assistance in investigations, serve as a national clearinghouse for criminal information, provide technical aid, and other related functions.
The Bureau of Investigation is created under the Department of Justice.
The main functions include investigating crimes and offenses, assisting in investigations when requested, acting as a clearinghouse of criminal information, providing technical aid to law enforcement and courts, investigating administrative or civil cases involving the government, training peace officers in crime detection, maintaining a scientific crime laboratory, and performing other functions assigned by the Secretary of Justice.
The Director is appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the Congress of the Philippines.
The Director shall receive an annual compensation of seven thousand two hundred pesos.
Appointments are made based on merit and fitness determined by competitive mental and physical examinations, with adequate instruction and training. Personnel appointed for general investigation should preferably be graduates of recognized law schools or members of the bar. Certified public accountants and those with at least ten years' experience in law enforcement may be appointed when needed.
They have the power to make arrests, searches, and seizures according to law; issue subpoenas for persons to appear for investigation; take sworn statements; administer oaths; possess firearms for protection; and access all public records and certain private records under presidential authority.
The Division of Investigation was abolished and its personnel, appropriations, supplies, materials, and equipment were transferred to the newly created Bureau of Investigation.
Five hundred thousand pesos was appropriated for salaries, wages, expenses, supplies, materials, and equipment.
Commonwealth Act Numbered One hundred and eighty-one and any other inconsistent act or provision were repealed.