Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10973)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 10973 is to grant the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Director and the Deputy Director for Administration of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the authority to administer oaths and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in relation to their investigations.
The law grants them the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and subpoena duces tecum during investigations, which cannot be delegated to any other person or office.
A subpoena must state the nature and purpose of the investigation, be directed to the person whose attendance is required, and in the case of subpoena duces tecum, it must contain a reasonable description of the books, documents, or things demanded that are relevant to the investigation.
No, these powers shall be exercised solely by the specified officials (PNP Chief, CIDG Director, and Deputy Director for Administration) and may not be delegated further.
It amends Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.
The law took effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
The Separability Clause states that if any provision of the Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected shall remain in force.
The subpoena powers can be exercised solely in relation to investigations conducted by the PNP and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).