Powers and Duties of the Chairman
- The Chairman is the chief executive of the Commission.
- Has general powers of department heads.
- Responsible for equitable work distribution among Associate Commissioners and staff.
- Ensures proper performance of duties.
- The Commission meets as a body for special consultative matters.
- A majority of members constitutes a quorum.
Property Powers of the Commission
- Can acquire, lease, or own real and personal property as necessary.
- Authorized to sell or dispose of such properties.
Additional Powers and Duties Added
- Approval required for conveyances of real property in culturally minority provinces involving illiterate or language-impaired individuals.
- Authorization for Commission trial lawyers to assist indigent cultural minority members in criminal cases concerning landholdings.
- Personnel may administer oaths in investigations related to Commission work.
- Power to promulgate necessary rules and regulations for implementation.
Exclusive Custodianship and Administration of Public Lands
- Commission is exclusive custodian/administrator of:
- Public lands reserved for settlements, townsites, roads.
- Agricultural lands in municipalities, provinces, cities predominantly inhabited by national cultural minorities.
- Areas released from forest zones under petitions by cultural minorities or the Commission.
- Certain forest zone lands deemed more suitable for agriculture, occupied since July 4, 1945, by cultural minorities.
Appropriation of Funds
- At least five million pesos appropriated from the National Treasury annually for 10 years starting fiscal year 1964.
- Three million seven hundred thousand pesos allocated for:
- Establishment and development of agricultural settlements.
- Establishment of industrial/agricultural enterprises and cottage industries.
- Extension of loans and credit facilities.
- Purchase of supplies and equipment.
- Other related purposes determined by the Commission.
Repeal and Effectivity
- Any contrary or inconsistent laws, rules, or orders are repealed.
- The Act takes effect upon approval.