Title
Creation of Ministry of Public Works and Highways
Law
Executive Order No. 710
Decision Date
Jul 27, 1981
Executive Order No. 710 establishes the Ministry of Public Works and Highways in the Philippines, merging the functions of public highways and public works for simplicity and efficiency, while abolishing existing ministries and transferring their functions, personnel, and resources to the new Ministry.

Law Summary

Leadership and Appointment

  • Authority and responsibility vested in the Minister of Public Works and Highways.
  • Minister appointed by the President.
  • Minister assisted by Deputy Ministers appointed by the President.
  • Deputy Ministers’ functional responsibilities to be determined by the Minister, excluding primary administrative roles.

Composition of the Ministry Proper

  • Ministry Proper includes:
    • Office of the Minister
    • Planning Service
    • Financial and Management Service
    • Administrative Service
    • Legal Service
    • Manpower Development Service
    • Comptrollership Service (which absorbs the Infrastructure Computer Center)

Staff Bureaus under Ministry Supervision

  • Bureau of Construction: provides technical services on construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of infrastructure.
  • Bureau of Design: handles project development, engineering surveys, and designs.
  • Bureau of Equipment: manages construction and maintenance equipment.
  • Bureau of Maintenance: focuses on maintenance and repair of infrastructure.
  • Bureau of Materials and Quality Control: conducts research and quality control regarding construction materials.

Administrative Supervision Over Councils

  • Ministry administers supervision over:
    • National Water Resources Council
    • Metro Manila Flood Control Development Council
    • Pasig River Development Council

Policy and Program Coordination with Attached Corporations

  • Ministry attached to:
    • Farm Systems Development Corporation
    • Local Water Utilities Administration
    • Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System
    • National Irrigation Administration

Transfer and Attachment of Other Authorities

  • Communications and Electricity Development Authority attached to Ministry of Energy.
  • Philippine Ports Authority attached to Ministry of Transportation and Communications; Public Works Minister is a board member.
  • Abolishment of Central Luzon-Cagayan Valley Authority; functions and assets transferred to Ministry.
  • Maintenance functions of public buildings transferred to Ministry from General Services Administration.

Ex-officio Positions of the Minister

  • Minister assumes all ex-officio board memberships previously held by former Ministers of Public Works and Public Highways.

Regional Organization and Project Management

  • Establishment of ministry-wide regional offices.
  • Each regional office headed by a Regional Director with supervisory control over Ministry activities.
  • Project Management Offices under Regional Directors, unless otherwise designated.
  • Regional Directors supervise regional equipment depots and materials plants with self-sustaining operations.

Regulatory Powers and Staffing

  • Ministry empowered to issue rules, regulations, and orders to implement the Executive Order.
  • Staffing and organizational structure changes subject to approval by Ministry of the Budget.
  • Minister authorized to appoint qualified personnel from abolished Ministries; non-appointed personnel deemed laid off.

Status of Layoffs and Appointments

  • Presidential appointees of abolished Ministries laid off unless reappointed by the President.
  • Career Executive Service Officers to be reassigned or reappointed upon Minister’s recommendation.
  • Those unplaced within six months will be laid off.

Benefits for Laid-off Personnel

  • Laid-off personnel entitled to benefits and gratuities under existing laws.

Continuity of Functions Pending Reorganization

  • Incumbents of abolished ministries shall continue their functions pending issuance of implementing orders, unless otherwise specified.

Repeal and Modification of Inconsistent Provisions

  • All laws or rules inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

Severability Clause

  • Unconstitutionality of any part does not nullify the remaining provisions if they can stand independently and achieve the objectives.

Effectivity

  • Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

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