Section 7. Powers of the Commission. —
To carry out its objectives under this Act, the Commission shall have the following powers:
To formulate policies and plans for the relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood services as well as infrastructure support in harmony with the other plans and policies of the National Government and other agencies such as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority;
To make a determination of the areas where the lahar flow may be diverted to spare communities and/or minimize damage to lives, habitation, infrastructure, agricultural and other resources upon thorough consultation with lahar experts, scientists, and other technical consultants and personnel;
To prioritize, coordinate and supervise the implementation of the various programs and projects of the Commission;
To sue and be sued in its name, and to adopt, alter and use a seal;
To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every class, kind and description which are necessary to the realization of its purposes with any person, firm or corporation, private or public, and, upon consultation with the President, with foreign government entities, subject to the usual accounting and auditing requirements;
To apply for, receive and accept grants and donation of funds, equipment, materials and services needed for the development of the area, within and outside the Philippines;
To monitor the progress of the relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood as well as infrastructure support programs and projects;
To coordinate and consult with concerned national and local officials, both elective and appointive, as well as accredited non-government organizations (NGOs) in the prioritization and prosecution of the programs and projects;
To call upon any department, office, instrumentality, agency, or any political subdivision of the Government for such assistance as may be necessary for the attainment of the objectives of the Commission;
Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Commission is authorized to re-loan repayments of loans of victim families under the various programs of the Commission, for the purpose of expanding the benefits to other victims who have not availed of said benefits from the funds administered by the Commission; and
In general, to perform such other powers as may be necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this Act.