Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6975)
The Act is officially known as the "Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990," or Republic Act No. 6975.
The policy is to promote peace and order, ensure public safety, and strengthen local government capability by establishing a highly efficient and competent police force that is national in scope and civilian in character.
The head is the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who also serves as the ex officio Chairman of the National Police Commission.
The Department consists of the Department Proper, existing bureaus and offices of the former Department of Local Government, the National Police Commission, the Philippine Public Safety College, and the bureaus of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
Members must be at least 35 years old, members of the Philippine Bar or holders of a master’s degree in related fields, and have at least five years experience in law enforcement work.
The PNP is tasked to enforce laws and ordinances protecting lives and properties, maintain peace and order, investigate and prevent crimes, execute arrests, supervise licensing for firearms and security agencies, and perform other law enforcement duties as provided by law.
On average nationwide, there should be one policeman for every 500 persons, but the minimum ratio shall not be less than one policeman for every 1,000 persons, with urban areas having higher minimum ratios as prescribed by regulations.
The Chief of the PNP is appointed by the President from among senior officers, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, and serves a term of not more than four years, with possible extension during national emergencies.
Complaints can be filed with chiefs of police, mayors, or the People’s Law Enforcement Boards (PLEB), with administrative disciplinary powers vested at different levels including Chiefs of Police, regional directors, the Chief of PNP, and appellate review by National and regional appellate boards.
Provincial governors choose provincial police directors; city and municipal mayors exercise operational supervision and control over PNP units in their jurisdictions (except during election periods), develop community safety plans, and have certain disciplinary and appointment powers over local police.
The ranks range from Director General (Chief of PNP), Deputy Director General, Director, Chief Superintendent, Senior Superintendent, Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Senior Inspector, down to Police Officer I.
They are entitled to longevity pay, subsistence and clothing allowances, health and welfare programs, retirement benefits including compulsory and optional retirement, death and disability benefits, exemption from attachment and taxes on benefits, and legal assistance during official duty-related charges.
The PC-INP ceases to exist; its members may opt to join the newly established PNP or be reassigned to AFP branches or retire under existing laws. The Philippine Constabulary ceases to be a major service of the AFP.
The President can suspend these powers due to frequent unauthorized absences, abuse of authority, providing support to criminals, or engaging in acts inimical to national security or peace and order effectiveness.
The Fire Bureau is responsible for preventing and suppressing fires in buildings, vehicles, forests, ports, and petroleum installations; enforcing the Fire Code; investigating fire causes; and filing appropriate complaints.