Article 177Powers and duties.

Powers and duties.

The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

To assess and fix a rate of contribution from all employers;

To determine the rate of contribution payable by an employer whose records show a high frequency of work accidents or occupational diseases due to failure by the said employer to observe adequate safety measures;

To approve rules and regulations governing the processing of claims and the settlement of disputes arising therefrom as prescribed by the System;

To initiate policies and programs toward adequate occupational health and safety and accident prevention in the working environment, rehabilitation other than those provided for under Article 190 hereof, and other related programs and activities, and to appropriate funds therefor; (As amended by Section 3, Presidential Decree No. 1368)

To make the necessary actuarial studies and calculations concerning the grant of constant help and income benefits for permanent disability or death and the rationalization of the benefits for permanent disability and death under the Title with benefits payable by the System for similar contingencies: Provided, That the Commission may upgrade benefits and add new ones subject to approval of the President: and Provided, further, That the actuarial stability of the State Insurance Fund shall be guaranteed: Provided, finally, That such increases in benefits shall not require any increases in contribution, except as provided for in paragraph (b) hereof; (As amended by Section 3, Presidential Decree No. 1641)

To appoint the personnel of its staff, subject to civil service law and rules, but exempt from WAPCO law and regulations;

To adopt annually a budget of expenditures of the Commission and its staff chargeable against the State Insurance Fund: Provided, That the SSS and GSIS shall advance on a quarterly basis, the remittances of allotment of the loading fund for the Commission’s operational expenses based on its annual budget as duly approved by the Department of Budget and Management; (As amended by Section 3, Presidential Decree No. 1921)

To have the power to administer oath and affirmation, and to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in connection with any question or issue arising from appealed cases under this Title;

To sue and be sued in court;

To acquire property, real or personal, which may be necessary or expedient for the attainment of the purposes of this Title;

To enter into agreements or contracts for such services and as may be needed for the proper, efficient and stable administration of the program;

To perform such other acts as it may deem appropriate for the attainment of the purposes of the Commission and proper enforcement of the provisions of this Title. (As amended by Section 18, Presidential Decree No. 850)