The powers of the Secretary of Justice can be found on different statutes like the 1987

Philippine Constitution, Executive Order 292 and many other special laws. Likewise, the
prohibition and limitations as to what the Secretary of Justice can do are spread in different
statutes.
As to the powers of the Secretary of Justice. The Secretary has the power to establish the
policies and standards for the operation of the Department of Justice. He can promulgate rules
and regulations necessary to carry out the objectives of the department as well as issue
administrative issuances necessary for the efficient administration of the offices under him. He
can appoint officers and employees of the said department except those whose appointments are
vested in the President or in some other appointing authority. The Secretary may delegate
authority to officers and employees under his direction. He exercises supervision and control
over the bureaus, offices, and agencies under him subject to the provisions of the Administrative
code. He can also exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees under him including
their investigation and the designation of a committee or officer to conduct such investigation. In
cases concerning controversies among government offices and corporations, the determination of
factual issues may be referred to an arbitration panel composed of one representative each of the
parties involved and presided over by a representative of the Secretary of Justice.
As to the limitations to the powers of Secretary of Justice. The secretary cannot hold
more than two positions in the government and government-owned corporations and receive the
corresponding compensation therefor. It is provided however that this shall not apply if the
position ad hoc committees, or boards that the Chairman is the President. If the Secretary holds
more positions that what is allowed by the law, he must relinquish the excess positions in favor
of a subordinate official who is next in rank. As regards controversies among government
offices, the Secretary of Justice is prohibited to act as an Atty-General when dispute involves the
Supreme Court, Local Government, Constitutional Commissions, and Congress. He is also
prohibited to adjudicate on disputes involving offices, agencies, bureaus, and other entities in
which he is a general counsel or principal law officer. As to the administrative relationships, the
secretary is not allowed to exercise supervision over contracts entered into by the agency in the
pursuit of its objectives, as well as the power to review, reverse, revise, or modify the decisions
of regulatory agencies in the exercise of their regulatory or quasi-judicial functions. The
secretary also cannot exercise supervision over appointments and other personnel actions in
accordance with the decentralization of personnel functions under the Administrative Code