Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 478)
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) serves as the law office of the Government of the Philippines, representing the government, its agencies, instrumentalities, officials, and agents in any litigation, proceeding, investigation, or matter requiring legal services.
The Office represents the Government of the Philippines, its agencies, instrumentalities, officials, agents, and when authorized, government-owned or controlled corporations in all criminal and civil proceedings before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and other courts or tribunals.
The Solicitor General can investigate, initiate court action, or otherwise proceed against any person, corporation, or firm for the enforcement of any contract, bond, guarantee, mortgage, pledge, or other collateral executed in favor of the Government.
The Solicitor General may employ counsel to assist in discharging their responsibilities when proceedings are to be conducted outside of the Philippines.
The Solicitor General may appear in any court on any action involving the validity of treaties, laws, executive orders, proclamations, rules, or regulations when intervention is deemed necessary or upon court request.
Yes, the Solicitor General can deputize provincial or city fiscals, as well as legal officers of government departments, bureaus, agencies, and offices to assist and represent the Government in cases involving their respective offices.
The Solicitor General must have the same rank, qualifications, and salary as an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals. The appointee must be a Filipino citizen, a member of the Philippine Bar, or possess recognized competence and at least four years law practice experience.
It administers, directs, and supervises the collection and recovery of government assets, investigates and recovers assets of government-owned or controlled corporations, files charges against erring government personnel responsible for losses, and performs other assigned functions.
The President of the Philippines appoints the Solicitor General and the Assistant Solicitors General.
Yes, upon instructions from the President, the Solicitor General represents the Republic in international litigations, negotiations, or conferences defending or presenting the legal position of the Republic.