Amend PSC Composition, Create People's Counsel

Commissioners serve until age 70 or removal under the Revised Administrative Code.
In absence of the Public Service Commissioner, the senior Associate Commissioner acts as Commissioner.
The Secretary of Justice may temporarily designate judges to sit as Commissioners if needed.
Powers vested in the Commission may be exercised individually or jointly.
Commissioners divide pending and new cases among themselves.
All contested cases, rate-fixing cases, and petitions for reconsideration must be heard en banc by all Commissioners.
At least two affirmative votes are required to make decisions or non-interlocutory orders en banc.
The Commission may delegate evidentiary reception in certain cases to a single Commissioner who reports to the Commission.

The Secretary of Justice appoints the Commission’s secretary and other personnel upon recommendation by the Public Service Commissioner.
The Public Service Commissioner has executive control and supervises the Commission’s work and administrative affairs.

The Commission’s office is located in Manila.
Hearings may be held anywhere in the Philippines as designated by written order.
During April and May each year, one Commissioner remains on duty while the other two take vacation on a rotating basis.
The Secretary of Justice may require Commissioners on vacation to perform duties if necessary.

The legal division chief or other Commission attorney represents the Commission in judicial proceedings.
The Solicitor General can represent the Commission if requested.
A People's Counsel office is created under the Secretary of Justice’s supervision.
The People’s Counsel, with two assistants and other employees, are appointed by the President with the Commission on Appointments’ consent; employees are appointed by the Secretary of Justice.
People’s Counsel and assistants must have qualifications equivalent to a provincial fiscal.
Compensation rates: People’s Counsel at 7,200 pesos/year; assistants at 6,000 pesos/year each.
They must not have financial interests or managerial roles in any public service.

Institute proceedings before the Commission to fix just and reasonable rates or charges for public services.
Represent the public and petitioners in cases involving public service rates and services before the Commission and courts.
Investigate services, rates, property valuations, and related matters affecting public service users’ interests.
Issue subpoenas and subpoena duces tecum as necessary.
Request assistance from any government department or agency to perform duties.

The term "Deputy Commissioner" in the original Act is amended to "Associate Commissioners."
An appropriation of 80,000 pesos is allocated to implement the Act.
Unexpended funds by June 30, 1948, revert to the National Treasury unless re-appropriated.