Duties and Responsibilities of the Consulting Architect
- Advises the Governor-General, Philippine Commission, Director of Public Works, and the Municipal Board of Manila on architectural matters involving construction, repair, or significant alteration of public buildings and monuments.
- Responsible for the treatment and maintenance of city walls, moats, and surrounding areas of Intramuros.
- Resolves disputes between the Consulting Architect and the Municipal Board regarding architectural treatments, with the Governor-General having final decision authority.
- Prepares plans, specifications, estimates, and other documentation for public buildings or works upon request.
- May impose restrictions on public building plan competitions to ensure harmony with local architectural development, subject to Governor-General approval.
- Exercises general supervision over architectural features in government constructions and landscape gardening of prominent public places.
- Interprets the Burnham plans and prepares detailed work related to architectural and monumental effects.
- "Government" includes Insular, provincial, and municipal governments.
Office and Support Staff
- The Consulting Architect shall have an office in Manila designated by the Director of Public Works.
- Reports to the Secretary of Commerce and Police.
- Staff including engineers, draftsmen, stenographers, and other personnel are provided by the Bureau of Public Works and funded accordingly.
Adoption of Burnham Plans
- The Burnham plans for the improvement of Manila and Baguio are officially adopted as the basis for future development of these cities.
Private Practice
- The Consulting Architect is permitted to engage in private work and receive compensation, provided it does not interfere with official duties.
- The Government retains the right to require overtime or holiday work without additional pay if necessary.
Municipal Board Obligations
- The Municipal Board of Manila must seek the written opinion and recommendations of the Consulting Architect before using appropriations for any architectural construction, repair, alteration, or modification of the Burnham plans.
- This requirement covers permanent buildings, architectural works, street layouts, and parks.
Legislative Expediency and Effectivity
- Enactment of this Act is expedited due to public interest.
- The Act takes effect immediately upon passage.