Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10867)
The short title is the "National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act."
The policy is to promote and maintain an effective, modern, gender-responsive, competent, and highly trained investigative body nationally, with plans and programs to enhance and modernize the NBI.
The NBI is reorganized into an expanded structure with offices such as the Office of the Director, Deputy Directors for Administration and Operations, and various Assistant Directors for different services including Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Research, among others. Regional and District Offices are also established.
The NBI can investigate crimes enumerated by law, issue subpoenas, act as a clearinghouse for criminal records, render technical assistance, assist in extradition cases, establish training academies and forensic centers, conduct intelligence operations, enter contracts subject to approval, and perform other functions assigned by the President or Secretary of Justice.
Primary jurisdiction includes human trafficking at airports, extrajudicial killings by state security forces, killings of justices and judges, cybercrime violations, anti-graft cases referred by IAGCC, anti-dummy law violations, threats to high officials, transnational crimes, mass fatality incidents, and various commercial and white-collar crimes.
The Director must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, a member of the Philippine Bar, engaged in the practice of law for at least 15 years, preferably from within the ranks of Directors, and appointed by the President with rank and salary equivalent to an Undersecretary.
The Director formulates policies, directs NBI operations, promulgates rules, determines allowances, creates or abolishes divisions and positions, deploys officials abroad, hires consultants, issues mission orders for firearms, designates informants, disciplines personnel, imposes fees, and performs other necessary functions.
NBI agents must be Filipino citizens, of good moral character, members of the Philippine Bar or holders of relevant government licensure, and must have passed competitive mental and physical examinations required by the NBI.
Benefits include healthcare through HMO, accident insurance, training and scholarships, longevity and hazard pay, transportation benefits, and coverage of seminar and professional fees including MCLE and CPE requirements for licensed personnel.
Funding comes from collections of clearance and certification fees, income from trainings and tests, proceeds from sales of confiscated items, other fees determined by the Director, and from appropriations under the General Appropriations Act.