( b ) To keep a record of the absences of all officers and employees entitled to leave of absence. 

[1698-2 ( b ).] 

( c ) To supervise the preparation and rating and have control of all civil-service examinations in the Philippine Islands. ESDcIA 

[1698-2 ( d ).] 

( d ) To fix proper limits of age for applicants desiring to enter the service. 

[1698-3 ( l ).] 

( e ) To make investigations and special reports upon all matters relating to the enforcement of the Civil Service Law and civil-service rules. 

[1698-2 ( e ).] 

(f) To prepare and certify to the Governor-General such rule as may be adapted to the more effectual carrying out of the provision and purposes of the Civil Service Law and to securing of an efficient administration of the Government within the scope of th e Civil Service Law, such rules to be effective when approved by the Governor-General and promulgated in an executive order. 

[1698-2 (f) .] 

SECTION 698 . Matters to be Prescribed in Civil-Service Rules . — The civil-service rules shall, among other things, prescribe the conditions which shall govern certifications from eligible registers, appointments to the service, separations therefrom, suspe nsions, deductions from pay, reductions, reinstatements, and transfers, and shall define the procedure to be followed in such matters. They shall also contain regulations concerning the hours of labor, the allowance of leaves of absence (including the with holding of salary for leave granted), and the allowance of travel expenses and half salary of persons entitled thereto — all in conformity with the provisions of this Code. The rules shall also prohibit or regulate the political activity of persons in the civil service. aESICD 

[1698-3.] 

SECTION 699 . Fundamental Requirements as to Civil-Service Rules.  — Any civil-service rules promulgated by the Governor-General upon the 

