QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 154)
The mandate is based on Act No. 4103, as amended, which requires the Board of Pardons and Parole to look into the physical, mental, and moral record of prisoners eligible for parole and to determine the proper time of release. The EO also recognizes the Board’s assistance in the President’s constitutional power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons.
The Board consists of the Secretary of Justice (or his representative) as Chairman, and six (6) members: the Administrator of the Parole and Probation Administration (ex officio), a sociologist, a clergyman, an educator, a person with training and experience in correction work, and a member of the Philippine Bar; with the proviso that one of them must be a woman.
It provides that the regular members of the Board shall serve full-time.
The Secretary of Justice, or his representative, serves as Chairman and is required to serve full-time.
Their honoraria are equivalent to specified positions’ hiring rates: the representative of the Secretary of Justice receives honoraria equivalent to the hiring rate of an Assistant Secretary (Salary Grade 29), while each regular Board member receives honoraria equivalent to the hiring rate of a Bureau Director (Salary Grade 28), as provided under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The Chairman’s representative is matched to Salary Grade 29 (Assistant Secretary), while the regular members are matched to Salary Grade 28 (Bureau Director).
It states composition “as provided by law” (Act No. 4103, as amended) in Section 1, indicating EO 154 is not primarily a re-composition measure; instead, it focuses on compensation increases, review of rules, and operational/staffing adjustments.
Section 3 directs the Board to review the existing Rules and Regulations dated December 20, 1989, and then establish and prescribe new rules to govern proceedings, subject to approval of the Secretary of Justice, consistent with the Administrative Code of 1987.
The EO requires that the Board act consistent with the Administrative Code of 1987 and that the new rules are established subject to the approval of the Secretary of Justice.
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of the EO, the Board must review its organization, system, and operations.
Any changes in organization and staffing are subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management.
The Board submits a report with recommendations to the Secretary of Justice; the Secretary of Justice reviews and endorses it to the Office of the President for approval.
Section 5 states the financial resources for changes in organization and staffing shall be taken from available funds of the Department of Justice.
It repeals or modifies any executive orders, instructions, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are contrary or inconsistent with the EO’s provisions.
It states in Section 7 that it shall take effect immediately.
It emphasizes that the Board provides invaluable assistance in the exercise of the President’s constitutional power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons.