Act No. 2258

Purpose: This Act amends specific sections of Act No. 1868, which established the Bureau of Labor under the Department of Commerce and Police, to address the obstruction of labor officials in their duties.
Enactment Date: February 11, 1913.

Provision: The amended section introduces penalties for individuals who obstruct or resist the Director of Labor or his deputies.

• Legal Principle: Individuals obstructing or resisting labor officials in the execution of their duties are subject to punishment.

• Key Definition:
- Obstructing or Resisting: Any action that hinders the Director of Labor or deputies from performing their assigned responsibilities.
• Penalties:
- A fine ranging from fifty pesos to two hundred pesos for each offense upon conviction.

Provision: This section outlines the powers granted to the Director of Labor and his deputies with the approval of the Governor-General.

• Legal Principle: The Director of Labor and deputies are empowered to conduct investigations effectively.

• Key Powers Granted:
- Administer oaths.
- Issue subpoenas (including subpoenas duces tecum).
- Receive affidavits and testimony from witnesses and experts.

Provision: The Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

• Timeframe: The act becomes effective as soon as it is enacted.

Penalties for Obstruction: • A fine of not less than fifty pesos and not more than two hundred pesos for each offense.

The Act references Act No. 1868, which is the foundational legislation for the Bureau of Labor, providing context for the amendments made.

Act No. 2258 amends Act No. 1868 to impose penalties on individuals who obstruct labor officials, enhancing the enforcement powers of the Bureau of Labor.
The Director of Labor and deputies are granted significant authority to ensure compliance and conduct investigations.
Immediate effectivity upon passage emphasizes the urgency of enforcing these provisions in labor law.