Law Summary
Scope and Functions of the Department of National Defense
- The DND is charged with supervising the national defense program of the Philippines.
- It holds executive supervision over the following entities:
- Philippine Army
- Bureau of Aeronautics
- Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey
- Philippine Nautical School
- All radio stations (receiving, transmitting, or broadcasting) except those maintained by the Bureau of Posts.
Transfer of Bureaus and Services
- The transfer of the aforementioned bureaus, offices, and services to the DND shall occur on or shortly after November 1, 1939, but no later than December 31, 1939.
Funding and Budgetary Provisions
- Initial funds for the organization and maintenance of the Office of the Secretary of National Defense until the next fiscal year shall be sourced from forced savings in salaries, wages, and sundry expenses from bureaus and offices under the Office of the President.
- Expenditure of these funds must adhere to a budget approved by the President.
Transfer of Assets and Administrative Adjustments
- All unexpended funds, personnel, equipment, materials, records, and other properties of the transferred bureaus and offices are likewise transferred to the DND.
- The Auditor General and Commissioner of the Budget are directed to make the necessary appropriation adjustments consequent to the transfers.
Formality and Authority
- The order was executed in Manila on October 31, 1939.
- Signed by President Manuel L. Quezon and attested by Secretary to the President, Jorge B. Vargas.