Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 856)
The primary purpose is to ensure the speedy disposition of cases of detainees, especially the poor and indigent, to alleviate jail congestion and improve local jail conditions.
The Committee consists of the Provincial Governor or City Mayor as Chairman, and as members the Provincial PC/INP Commander, Provincial/City Fiscal, Provincial/City Warden, and Executive Judge.
The objectives include ensuring arrests are conducted according to law, speeding up preliminary investigations, expediting trials especially for detained prisoners, maintaining livable and rehabilitative jail conditions, and providing equal and humane justice particularly to the poor and helpless.
Functions include addressing delays or problems in detainee release and case resolution, requiring jail wardens to submit reports on prisoners’ cases, receiving and referring complaints of abuses in arrests or detention, reviewing and improving jail conditions, and recommending changes in laws prejudicial to justice administration.
The Committee shall recommend to the court the release of such accused persons.
Inquest Fiscals/Judges must be assigned to act immediately on detention cases and bail applications during nights, weekends, and holidays to expedite case handling.
Persons arrested for minor offenses with penalties of not more than one month or a fine not exceeding P200.00, or both, may be released under the Recognizance Law.
Members are entitled to receive honoraria not exceeding P500.00 a month, chargeable against the local government units concerned.
The Committee is under the supervision of the Prime Minister, and must submit quarterly accomplishment reports to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Order took effect immediately on December 12, 1982.