[1407-18; 2319-1 (Bur. Justice).] [136-3; 1024-1.] [1699-1; 2010-1.] The qualifications for appointment to the positions of chief and assistant chief of the Bureau of Justice shall be the same as those prescribed for judges of Courts of First Instance. SECTION  1279 . Function of Bureau of Justice . — The Bureau of Justice constitutes the law office of the Government of the Philippine Islands and by it shall be performed duties requiring the services of a law officer. This Bureau shall also have the supervi sion of the work of the fiscal of the city of Manila and of provincial fiscals and all other prosecuting officers throughout the Islands. SECTION  1280 . Duties of Attorney-General.  — As principal law officer of the Government, the Attorney-General shall have authority to act for and represent the Government of the Philippine Islands, its officers, and agents in any official investigation, pro ceeding, or matter requiring the services of a lawyer. [136-45; Comp., 1366.] It shall among other things be his duty, in person or by proper subordinate: ( a ) To prepare, upon request of the Governor-General or other officer of the Insular Government, drafts for contracts, forms, or other writings needed for official use. ( b ) To represent the United States in the Supreme Court in all criminal cases, and to represent the United States and the Government of the Philippine Islands in the Supreme Court in all civil actions and special proceedings in which either of said Governm ents or any officer thereof in his official capacity is a party. ( c ) To prosecute or defend in the Supreme Court, except as otherwise specially provided, all causes in which a province may be a party. [136-45 ( g ).] [136-45 ( b ).] [136-45( a, b ).] Copyright 2012 CD Technologies Asia, Inc. and Accesslaw, Inc. Philippine Law Encyclopedia 2011 377