Law Summary

Introduction

Presidential Decree No. 445, issued on May 7, 1974, by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, appropriates funds for the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Tourism. The decree aims to facilitate the preparations for the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant scheduled for July 1974 in the Philippines.

SECTION 1: Appropriation of Funds

• Legal Principle/Provision: The decree appropriates the sum of nine million pesos (₱9,000,000.00) from the General Fund in the National Treasury, which is not otherwise appropriated.
• Key Definitions:
  • "General Fund": The primary account from which government expenses are drawn.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Funds are to be used specifically for the preparations related to tourism projects.
• Relevant Timeframes:
  • The appropriation is designated for use in July 1974 for the Miss Universe event.
• Penalties/Liabilities: None explicitly mentioned in this section.

SECTION 2: Budget Allotment

• Legal Principle/Provision: The Secretary of Tourism is responsible for allotting and budgeting the appropriated funds.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Section 7-1(4) of Commonwealth Act No. 246": Refers to the legal framework governing budget appropriations and allocations.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • The Secretary must adhere to government accounting and auditing rules and regulations when managing the funds.
• Relevant Timeframes: None explicitly stated.
• Penalties/Liabilities: Failure to follow accounting and auditing rules could result in administrative consequences, though specifics are not detailed.

SECTION 3: Reimbursement of Advanced Funds

• Legal Principle/Provision: Any funds previously advanced by the Department of Tourism for the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant will be reimbursed from the newly appropriated sum.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Reimbursement": The process of repaying funds that were spent before the official appropriation.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Documentation of advanced payments must be provided for reimbursement.
• Relevant Timeframes: None specifically mentioned.
• Penalties/Liabilities: No penalties are outlined; however, improper claim for reimbursement may lead to administrative scrutiny.

SECTION 4: Effectivity

• Legal Principle/Provision: The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.
• Key Definitions: None introduced in this section.
• Important Requirements/Procedures:
  • Immediate implementation is mandated.
• Relevant Timeframes: Effective immediately as of May 7, 1974.
• Penalties/Liabilities: None mentioned.

Key Takeaways

• Presidential Decree No. 445 appropriates ₱9,000,000 for the Department of Tourism to prepare for the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in July 1974.
• The Secretary of Tourism is tasked with managing the budget in accordance with existing government regulations.
• Any prior expenditures by the Department for the event are eligible for reimbursement.
• The decree is effective immediately from the date of signing, ensuring prompt action for the planned event.