Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 343)
Commonwealth Act Numbered Eighty-eight, entitled 'An Act to provide for the organization and maintenance of a State Police Force,' is repealed.
The Philippine Constabulary is a national police force organized as an independent unit or under a government department as determined by the President, retaining all police and law enforcement powers but not military powers.
Members are authorized to prevent and suppress brigandage, unlawful assemblies, riots, insurrections, and other breaches of the peace, make arrests and seizures according to law, and execute lawful warrants or orders of arrest.
They are separately paid and maintained, not counted as part of the army's authorized strength, but retain their identity and legal rights as army personnel, with all Constabulary service counting as military service.
It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred pesos, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The President of the Philippines is authorized to transfer necessary property from the army to the Philippine Constabulary.
They cease to hold office under such appointments and are, as practicable, returned to their previous government or other positions; local police bodies are reorganized under appropriate supervision.
They must perform duties and exercise authority with respect to local police bodies, cooperate with them, assist city and municipal police, and carry out policies, orders, and regulations promulgated by the President.
An initial five hundred thousand pesos for separation and equipment expenses, three million two hundred fifty thousand pesos for salaries and expenses in 1939, and separate budget presentations thereafter.
It took effect upon its approval on June 23, 1938.