Creation of Eight Positions of District Attorneys

May 26, 1940

COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 544

AN ACT TO CREATE EIGHT POSITIONS OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS THEREFOR

SECTION 1. There shall be appointed for each of the judicial districts of the Philippines, except the fourth, a district attorney who shall exercise supervision over the provincial fiscals and assistant provincial fiscals within the district to which he is appointed and shall perform the duties of provincial fiscal when directed, and such other duties as may be authorized, by the Secretary of Justice. In the interest of public service, the Secretary of Justice may assign any district attorney to another district other than that to which he is appointed.

For the purpose of this Act, the Provinces of Rizal and Palawan shall be deemed included in the third judicial district.

SECTION 2. District attorneys shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly and shall receive a compensation at the rate of eight thousand pesos per annum each. No person may be appointed district attorney unless he possesses the qualifications prescribed by law for judges of courts of first instance.

SECTION 3. The Secretary of Justice is authorized to employ such clerical assistance as may be necessary for the office of each district attorney at such compensations as may be fixed by him.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of any funds of the Philippine Treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of ninety thousand pesos or so much thereof as may be necessary for salaries, per diems, travel expenses, purchase of materials and equipment and other sundry expenses for the period ending on June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and forty-one.

SECTION 5. Section sixteen hundred and seventy-four-A of the Administrative Code and Act Numbered Forty-one hundred and sixty-five are repealed.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, May 26, 1940.