4. The liberal policy followed by Governor-General Harrison in accordance with the liberal tenor of the Jones Law, a policy really preparatory for the independence of the Philippines.
Speaking of this policy, Governor-General Harrison on September 1, 1916, said:
“I firmly believe that the Chief Executive should consult the people through their representatives who are called upon to serve them. This is the very life-blood of self-government. It should never be possible for a Chief Executive—and it will now never be possible here—to ride ruthlessly over the people he has been sent here to govern, without taking into account their feelings, and without due consideration to their desires.”
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FILIPINO GOVERNMENT.—The outstanding achievements of the Filipinized government are summarized below.
I. REORGANIZATION OF DEPARTMENTS.—The Reorganization Act, as finally passed by the Philippine Legislature (Act No. 2666 as amended by Act No. 2803), has provided the Philippine government with a more logical and scientific grouping of bureaus and offices. It has given the new department heads more authority and power over the offices and bureaus under them. They are now empowered to promulgate rules, regulations, orders, circulars, memorandums, and other instructions for the harmonious and efficient administration of each and all of the offices and dependencies of each department. Secretaries of departments may be called by either of the two Houses of the Legislature for the purpose of reporting on matters pertaining to their departments. In this case they are also responsible to the two Houses. The six departments created by the Reorganization Act correspond to the six principal purposes of a fairly well organized government, to wit:
Functions of the Departments (1) The maintenance of order and political direction of local administrative units, such as departments, provincial and municipal governments, and special governments—the Department of Interior;
(2) The guardianship of the State over the mental development and physical welfare of the citizens—the Department of Public Instruction;
(3) The collection of the public revenues and administration of the finances and business of the government—the Department of Finance;
(4) The enforcement of the law and safeguarding of the citizens and their rights—the Department of Justice;
(5) The guardianship in connection with the preservation of the natural resources and the development of the country’s sources of wealth—the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and