Disqualifications for Chairman of the Board
- Financial interest in government transactions or contracts
- Previous public comments, opinions, or judgments about the case that may indicate bias or preconceived conclusions
Powers and Authority of the Board
- Review and acceptance of evidence, and authority to hear new evidence
- Issuance of subpoenas and compulsory processes for witness attendance and evidence production
- Administration of oaths and affirmations; witness examination and evidence reception
- Appointment of sheriffs and deputization of law enforcement to ensure compliance
Contempt Powers and Penalties
- Authority to hold individuals in direct or indirect contempt
- Punishment for direct contempt includes fines up to P200 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days
- Direct contempt judgments are final and unappealable
- Indirect contempt handled as per Rule 71 of the Rules of Court
Witness Compellability and Immunity
- No refusal to testify or produce evidence on ground of self-incrimination
- Testimony/evidence protected from use against the witness except for perjury or disciplinary actions
- Protection limited to compelled testimony regarding the Board's investigation
Administrative and Operational Powers
- Powers to enter into contracts, promulgate rules, and perform necessary acts for investigations
- Authority to engage personnel, prescribe duties, fix compensations, and organize staff
- Personnel appointed by the Board exempt from Civil Service rules
- Appointment of legal secretaries empowered to issue summons and subpoenas
Cooperation from Government Agencies
- All government agencies including NBI and PC-CIS required to provide staff and resources to the Board
Legal Assistance and Qualifications for Counsel
- Appointment of General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels who must be Philippine Bar members
- Counsel must meet qualifications equivalent to Supreme Court Justices
Conduct of Proceedings
- Hearings may be public or closed depending on majority vote or sensitive circumstances
- Proceedings can be en banc or in division
- Right to legal counsel for witnesses at any stage
Observers and Rules of Evidence
- Allowance for local and foreign observers
- General Counsel controls evidence presentation and proceedings
- Application of Rules of Evidence as far as practicable
Public Disclosure and Post-Investigation Actions
- Findings to be published publicly
- Board may initiate prosecution if warranted
- Board becomes functus officio after completing duties; assets revert to National Treasury
Financial Appropriations and Independence
- Appropriation of P5,000,000 for operational expenses
- Board immune from Commission on Audit jurisdiction
- Independent financial management without adherence to budget office rules
Abolition of Previous Commission and Repeal of Related Orders
- Abolishment of Commission under Administrative Order No. 469
- Transfer of records, assets, liabilities to the Fact-Finding Board
- Non-binding effect of previous Commission’s acts and evidence on the Board
- Repeal of Presidential Decree No. 1879 and related regulations
Effectivity
- Immediate effect upon issuance on October 14, 1983