Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9708)
Republic Act No. 9708 extends for five years the reglementary period for complying with the minimum educational qualification for appointment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and adjusts the promotion system accordingly.
The minimum age requirement for new applicants is not less than twenty-one (21) years old.
The maximum age limit for new applicants is thirty (30) years old.
Yes, existing members were given five years from the effectivity of RA 8551 to obtain the minimum educational qualification, preferably in law enforcement related courses.
Yes, PNP members with more than fifteen (15) years of service and who exhibited exemplary performance as determined by the Commission are exempted from this requirement.
They must have passed the corresponding promotional or board examinations, completed appropriate courses at PNPA or equivalent institutions, and passed psychiatric/psychological and drug tests.
An institution of a criminal action is not a bar to promotion unless there is a finding of probable cause, which makes the officer ineligible for promotion until resolved or after two years when they may be considered for promotion.
The promotion shall be recalled without prejudice to the imposition of applicable penalties under laws, rules, and regulations.
The police officer shall be completely ineligible for promotion during the pendency of the criminal case.
The Commission shall design and implement a continuing education program for PNP officers focusing on law enforcement, criminal investigation, human rights, or similar programs, in coordination with relevant government agencies.