Law Summary

1. Establishment of the Board on Documents

• Legal Principle: This section authorizes the President of the Philippines to create a Board on Documents responsible for examining and disposing of old documents, public records, and papers from various government offices.
• Key Definitions:
  • Board on Documents: A five-member panel with powers to assess the value of government documents.
• Important Requirements:
  • The Board will consist of five members, with the Director of the National Library as Chairman.
  • Each member serves a term of three years.
• Consequences: The Board has the authority to destroy documents deemed valueless.

2. Duties of the Board

• Legal Principle: The Board is tasked with evaluating documents submitted by heads of government bureaus and offices.
• Important Requirements:
  • Chiefs of bureaus must provide lists of old documents for the Board’s examination.
  • They must facilitate the Board’s examination of these documents.
• Consequences: The Board will determine the value of documents, which can lead to their destruction if found valueless.

3. Final Disposition Certificate

• Legal Principle: The Board is required to issue certificates regarding the final disposition of documents reviewed.
• Important Requirements:
  • A certificate of final disposition must be issued to the chiefs of the respective bureaus or offices after the evaluation process.
• Consequences: This formal documentation is required to maintain records of document disposal.

4. Compensation and Staffing

• Legal Principle: Members of the Board shall not receive additional compensation for their service.
• Important Requirements:
  • Members must be current officers in service and will not receive allowances or per diems.
  • The Board may request assistance from employees under the department heads as necessary.

5. Effectivity

• Legal Principle: The Act takes effect upon its approval.
• Important Requirements:
  • Effective Date: October 17, 1936, the date of approval.

Key Takeaways

• Commonwealth Act No. 54 establishes the Board on Documents to manage the examination and disposal of old government documents.
• The Board consists of five members, appointed by the President, with a three-year term and no extra compensation.
• Chiefs of government offices are required to submit documents for evaluation and provide necessary support to the Board.
• A certificate of final disposition must be issued for documents reviewed by the Board.
• The Act is effective immediately upon approval, emphasizing the importance of document management in government operations.