Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP CIRCULAR NO. 2005-001)
The main purpose is to provide guidelines and procedures regarding the limited private practice of profession by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are duly licensed professionals and considered in good standing.
It applies to all PNP personnel, both uniformed and non-uniformed, who are licensed professionals wishing to engage in limited private practice of their professions.
Professions include members of the legal profession, doctors of medicine, dentists, criminologists, accountants, and engineers, among others duly licensed.
It is considered a privilege because it is subject to approval by the immediate superior officer and can be revoked anytime with or without cause. It is not an inherent right but granted conditionally.
Members holding key positions or positions of responsibility as prescribed under PNP Circular No. 2000-008 are not allowed to engage in limited private practice.
The limited practice must not conflict or tend to conflict with official functions nor compromise attendance to command and other required PNP activities.
Yes, their limited private practice is confined to civil cases only and cases within the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial agencies, provided the Government is not a party.
They must render a continuous satisfactory service of three (3) years from the effective date of their appointment before applying.
The Chief of the PNP is the approving authority for such requests after favorable recommendation and concurrence by the Regional Director/Director concerned and relevant departments.
Their authority to practice may be canceled, and they may be administratively charged and sanctioned for serious neglect of duty after due notice and hearing.
The authority shall be valid for two (2) years from the date of approval, unless sooner terminated.
They must monitor the practice for compliance with guidelines and ensure the priority of service to the police organization. Failure to do so may result in administrative prosecution under command responsibility.
The request must be accompanied by the PRC license or Philippine Bar admission certificate and IBP receipt, statement of service, and latest performance evaluation report. For renewals, a listing of handled cases and their status is also required.
The policy discourages private practice, especially when the exigency of service demands full devotion of time and talents to the PNP.
Yes, authorization does not bar reassignment or imposition of additional duties based on service exigencies.