Law Summary
Cases Involving Only Questions of Law
- Such cases submitted to the Secretary of Justice, acting as Attorney General and ex officio legal adviser of government-owned or controlled corporations.
- The Secretary of Justice’s ruling is conclusive and binding.
- Anchored on Section 83 of the Revised Administrative Code.
Cases Involving Mixed Questions of Law and Fact or Only Factual Issues
- Disputes among national government departments and agencies handled by the Solicitor General.
- Disputes among government-owned or controlled corporations served by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel handled by the Government Corporate Counsel.
- Other disputes not falling under these categories handled by the Secretary of Justice.
Arbitration Panel Referral
- Secretary of Justice, Solicitor General, or Government Corporate Counsel may refer factual issues to an arbitration panel at their discretion.
- The designated representative of the referring officer shall serve as the Chairman of the arbitration panel.
Finality and Appeal of Decisions
- Decisions by Secretary of Justice, Solicitor General, or Government Corporate Counsel (if approved by Secretary of Justice) are final and binding.
- Appeals may be made only to the Office of the President for claims or property values exceeding P1 million.
- Decisions by the Office of the President on appeal are final.
Legal Effect of Decisions
- Final decisions under this administrative procedure have the same force and effect as final court decisions.
Rulemaking Authority
- The Secretary of Justice is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement the decree.
Effectivity
- The decree took effect immediately upon promulgation on July 9, 1973.