Memorandum Circular No. 56




MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES [ MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR No. 56, s. 1964, March 3, 1964 ] ENJOINING CONSULTATION WITH THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE ON CONTEMPLATED ACTIONS AND/OR DECISIONS ON IMPORTANT OR CONTROVERSIAL MATTERS. In order to insure cooperation in the study of the legal aspects or consequences of the actions and/or decisions in the Executive Branch, all departments, bureaus, offices, instrumentalities and other agencies including government-owned or controlled corporations, are hereby enjoined to consult with the Secretary of Justice on contemplated action and/or decisions on important or controversial matters, more particularly those involving legal questions which by their nature may eventually reach the courts. It shall be the duty of each Department Head to screen and determine the matters pertaining to his department, sand the bureaus, offices and agencies under it, that should be referred to the Secretary of Justice in accordance with this circular.1âшphi1 Letters of transmittal and other communications concerning consultation of this nature shall state succinctly the specific action or decision intended to be taken by the Department Head or Chief of bureau or agency, the legal basis or justification therefor, and a resume of the reasons which warrant the conclusion that the same would be upheld in the event of litigation. By authority of the President: CALIXTO O. ZALDIVAR Acting Executive Secretary Manila, March 3. 1964 The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation