Title
Supreme Court
Defining Powers of Solicitor General
Law
Presidential Decree No. 478
Decision Date
Jun 4, 1974
Presidential Decree No. 478 establishes the Office of the Solicitor General in the Philippines, outlining its responsibilities in representing the government in legal matters and enforcing contracts, laws, and regulations.

Law Summary

Organization and Structure

  • Headed by a Solicitor General assisted by a Legal Staff including Assistant Solicitors General, Solicitors, and Trial Attorneys.
  • Has such other staffs and units as provided by law.
  • Supervises the Investigation and Recovery Office.

Qualifications and Appointments

  • The Solicitor General holds rank, appointment qualifications, and salary equal to an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.
  • Assistant Solicitors General hold rank, qualifications, and salary equivalent to judges of Courts of First Instance.
  • The Solicitor General must be a Filipino citizen, a member of the Philippine Bar, and have at least four years of legal practice experience.
  • Appointment of Solicitor General, Assistant Solicitors General, and Solicitors is by the President.

Employment of Attorneys and Experts

  • The Solicitor General may contract attorneys, experts, or technical personnel as needed after consulting the concerned government entity.
  • Compensation and expenses of such contracted personnel may be charged to the respective agency.

Investigation and Recovery Office

  • Under the supervision and control of the Solicitor General.
  • Responsible for collection and recovery of funds, properties, and assets owing to the Government.
  • Headed by an Executive Director, assisted by an Assistant Executive Director, and staffed with state counsel-lawyers, accountants, and other personnel.
  • Powers and functions include administering collection and recovery of government assets, investigating and recovering assets of government-owned or controlled corporations, and filing charges against government personnel liable for losses.
  • May perform other functions as assigned by the Solicitor General or provided by law or executive order.

Effectivity

  • The decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur is a legal research platform serving the Philippines with case digests and jurisprudence resources. AI digests are study aids only—use responsibly.