AN ACT CREATING A BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

REPUBLIC ACT No. 157             June 19, 1947

AN ACT CREATING A BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Section 1. There is hereby created a Bureau of Investigation under the Department of Justice which shall have the following functions:

Section 2. The Bureau of Investigation shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the Congress of the Philippines, and shall receive an annual compensation of seven thousand two hundred pesos.

Section 3. The composition and size of the personnel of the Bureau of Investigation shall be determined by the Director of the Bureau of Investigation: Provided, That the present personnel of the Division of Investigation shall be transferred to, and form the nucleus of, the new Bureau.

Section 4. Appointments to positions in the Bureau of Investigation shall be made only according to merit and fitness to be determined as far as practicable by competitive mental and physical examination and after adequate instruction and training. Promotions shall be made with due regard to seniority and past record of efficiency: Provided, That such personnel as shall be appointed for general investigation shall be, as far as practicable, graduates of recognized laws schools or colleges or members of the bar, and, whenever a special need arises, certified public accountants and those with at least ten years experience and training in other law-enforcement organizations.

Section 5. Members of the investigation staff of the Bureau of Investigation shall be peace officers, and as such have the following powers:

Section 6. The Division of Investigation of the Department of Justice shall be abolished.

Section 7. All unexpended appropriations, supplies, materials, and scientific equipment of the Division of Investigation shall be transferred to the Bureau of Investigation.

Section 8. For purposes of this Act, there is hereby appropriated from the National Treasury not otherwise set aside, in addition to the sum already appropriated for the Division of Investigation, the sum of five hundred thousand pesos for the salaries and wages, traveling and other expenses of personnel, for the purchase of necessary supplies, materials and equipment, and for other purposes.

Section 9. Commonwealth Act Numbered One hundred and eighty-one as well as any other act or provisions of act inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed.

Section 10. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 19, 1947