Section 9March 10, 1990, Sec./Art. 9

Power to Register Cooperatives. - The power to register cooperatives shall be vested solely on the Authority. The functions of the following departments and agencies relating to the registration of cooperatives as such are hereby transferred to the Authority:

(a) The Department of Agriculture;

(b) The Bureau of Agricultural Cooperatives Development;

(c) The Department of Transportation and Communications;

(d) The Sugar Regulatory Administration;

(e) The National Electrification Administration; and

(f) Any other pertinent government agency.

The Bureau of Agricultural Cooperatives Development created under Executive Order No.

116, Series of 1987, is hereby abolished and its qualified employees are hereby absorbed by the Cooperative Development Authority, in accordance with its staffing pattern, subject to Civil Service rules and regulations and rules of the Office of Compensation and Position Classification: Provided, That the Regional Cooperative Development Assistance Offices of Regions IX and XII, created under Executive Order No. 634, are also hereby abolished and their employees shall be given preference for employment with the Cooperative Development Authority in accordance with its staffing pattern, subject to Civil Service rules and regulations: Provided, finally, That those who are not absorbed shall be given separation pay computed at one and one-fourth (1 1/4) months salary for every year of service.

Service of six (6) months or more shall be considered as one (1) year in computing the years of service for severance pay and, whenever applicable, other retirement benefits under existing laws.