Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6733)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 6733 is to amend certain provisions of the Revised Administrative Code and the Administrative Code of 1987 to grant members of both Houses of the Congress of the Philippines the general authority to administer oaths, among other related provisions.
According to Republic Act No. 6733, officials authorized to administer oaths include: the President, Vice-President, Members and Secretaries of both Houses of Congress, Members of the Judiciary, Secretaries of Departments, provincial governors and lieutenant-governors, city and municipal mayors, bureau directors, regional directors, clerks of courts, registrars of deeds, other civilian officers in the Philippine public service whose appointments are vested in the President and are subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, all other constitutional officers, and notaries public.
Yes, members and secretaries of both Houses of Congress may delegate their authority to committee secretaries or any staffer thereof in the conduct of a pending inquiry or investigation, as provided under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6733.
No, those authorized to administer oaths under this Act are not required to keep a register of the oaths they administer nor keep or submit copies of the same, except in the case of notaries public or as otherwise required by existing laws.
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 6733 states that nothing in the Act shall be construed as disauthorizing any person now authorized to administer oaths under existing laws.
No, while many civilian officers whose appointments are vested in the President and subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments are included, the Act also covers other constitutional officers, members and secretaries of Congress, judges, and other officials explicitly enumerated.
Republic Act No. 6733 took effect upon its publication in at least one national newspaper of general circulation, and as to the amendments made to Section 41 of the Administrative Code of 1987, upon the effectivity of said Code.
Yes, notaries public are included among those authorized to administer oaths. However, unlike other authorized persons, notaries public are required to keep a register of the oaths they administer and submit copies as required by existing laws.
Republic Act No. 6733 amends Section 21, Title 1, Book I of the Revised Administrative Code.
It amends Section 41, Book I of the Administrative Code of 1987.