Law Summary

Section 1: Appropriation Authorization

• Legal Principle/Provision: This section establishes a standing appropriation of ₱250,000 per annum from the Insular Treasury for the purpose of funding salaries, travel, and official expenses for technical personnel and civilian assistants employed by the Governor-General or designated by the Secretary of War.

• Key Definitions Introduced:

  • Standing Appropriation: Continuous funding allocated for specific purposes without needing reauthorization each year.
  • Technical Personnel and Civilian Assistants: Individuals employed to provide specialized skills or support to the Governor-General.

• Important Requirements or Procedures Outlined:

  • The Governor-General or the Secretary of War can employ personnel as deemed necessary.
  • Contracts may be for full-time or part-time service.

• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details:

  • The appropriation is renewed annually.

• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences Mentioned:

  • The funds cannot be used to increase the salary of any government officer or employee already covered in the Appropriation Act.

• Key Points:

  • ₱250,000 is appropriated annually.
  • Appropriation is intended for technical personnel and civilian assistants.
  • Funds cannot be diverted for salary increases of existing government employees.
  • In times of epidemic or emergency, the funds may be utilized for emergency personnel and related expenses.

Section 2: Reversion of Unexpended Balance

• Legal Principle/Provision: Any unspent funds remaining at the end of each fiscal year will revert to the unappropriated general funds in the Insular Treasury.

• Key Definitions Introduced:

  • Unexpended Balance: Funds that remain unused at the end of the fiscal year.

• Important Requirements or Procedures Outlined:

  • Any unspent portion of the ₱250,000 must return to the treasury at year-end.

• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details:

  • This process occurs at the conclusion of each fiscal year.

• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences Mentioned:

  • None explicitly stated; however, not utilizing the funds effectively may lead to their reversion.

• Key Points:

  • Unspent funds revert to the treasury annually.

Section 3: Effectivity Clause

• Legal Principle/Provision: This section provides that the Act will take effect upon its approval.

• Key Definitions Introduced:

  • Effectivity: The point in time when the provisions of the Act become enforceable.

• Important Requirements or Procedures Outlined:

  • The Act requires approval to become effective.

• Relevant Timeframes, Deadlines, or Expiration Details:

  • The Act was approved on August 8, 1928, and became effective immediately thereafter.

• Penalties, Liabilities, or Consequences Mentioned:

  • None specified.

• Key Points:

  • The Act is effective upon approval.

Key Takeaways

• Act No. 3431 appropriates ₱250,000 annually for technical personnel and civilian assistants under the Governor-General’s office.
• Funds are strictly regulated and cannot increase existing salaries.
• Any unspent balance reverts to the treasury, promoting accountability in fund utilization.
• The Act became effective immediately upon approval on August 8, 1928.