Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Receive, evaluate, process and investigate applications for claims under this Act;

(b) Issue subpoenas ad testificandum and subpoenas duces tecum;

(c) Conduct independent administrative proceedings and resolve disputes over claims;

(d) Approve with finality all eligible claims under this Act;

(e) Disburse any and all compensation to qualified claimants at the earliest possible time;

(f) Promulgate such rules as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, including rules of procedure in the conduct of its proceedings, with the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines having suppletory application;

(g) Exercise administrative control and supervision over its Secretariat;

(h) At its discretion, may consult the organizations mentioned in Section 8 herein; and

(i) Perform such other duties, functions and responsibilities as may be necessary to effectively attain the objectives of this Act.