Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 153)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 153 is to reorganize the Philippine Constabulary into a National Police Force, abolishing the State Police Force, and providing funds for its support and administration.
The Philippine Constabulary is administered by the Chief of Constabulary independently from the Chief of Staff of the Army of the Philippines, in conformity with applicable laws and the instructions contained in the Executive Order.
For administrative purposes, the Philippine Constabulary is deemed to be a bureau of government, with the Chief of Constabulary having powers conferred to bureau chiefs.
The Philippine Constabulary shall be composed of officers and enlisted men detailed from the Philippine Army with the approval of the President. It will be organized and controlled independently of the Army.
The uniforms of the Philippine Constabulary have red shoulder straps and piping, while the Army's are blue.
The Chief of Constabulary is directly responsible to the President for executing all police duties and functions formerly pertaining to the Philippine Constabulary, prescribing regulations, and administering personnel laws and regulations.
The Philippines is divided into Constabulary Departments designated by principal island or group of islands; each department is headed by a Department Inspector, who is the Senior Constabulary Officer.
All provincial, city, or local police and fire bodies are restored to the control of local officials, serving under their respective chiefs and mayors, with the same powers, duties, and salaries as previously authorized.
Provincial police inspectors appointed under Commonwealth Act No. 88 shall cease to function on the date this Executive Order takes effect, but provincial constabulary commanders or inspectors may continue to act as police inspectors without additional compensation.
Local police bodies are placed under the inspectional supervision of local representatives of the Chief of Constabulary, and cooperative methods for traffic control and enforcement of laws are jointly established between the Constabulary and local police forces.
Five hundred thousand pesos appropriated under Section 8 of Commonwealth Act No. 343 are released to the Chief of Constabulary for reorganization purposes, subject to presidential approval especially for construction, acquisition of real estate, and motor equipment.
During emergencies, military elements may be temporarily assigned to Constabulary command or Constabulary units may be attached to the Army, under the direction of the President, while routine administration and supply remain with their respective chiefs.
The Executive Order took effect on June 23, 1938.