Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4203)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 4203 is to amend Sections Three and Four of Act No. 4103 (the Indeterminate Sentence Law) by restructuring the Board of Pardons and Parole and defining its composition, powers, and procedures.
The Board of Pardons and Parole is composed of the Secretary of Justice as chairman and four members appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
One member must be a trained sociologist, one a clergyman or educator, one a psychiatrist (unless a trained psychiatrist is employed by the board), and the other members should be persons qualified by training and experience. At least one member must be a woman.
Each member holds office for a term of six years.
A successor may be appointed to serve only for the unexpired portion of the term of the respective member who vacated the position.
A majority of all the members of the Board constitutes a quorum.
A majority vote of the members present is necessary to arrive at a decision.
Any dissent from the majority opinion must be reduced to writing and filed with the records of the proceedings.
Each member, including the Chairman and Executive Officer, receives fifty pesos for each meeting actually attended, plus reimbursement of actual and necessary traveling expenses.
Board meetings shall not be held more than three times a week.
The Board of Pardons and Parole is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its functions and duties.
Yes, the Board is empowered to call upon any bureau, office, or government agency for assistance in performing its functions.
This Act took effect upon its approval on June 19, 1965.