Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4864)
The official title of the Act is the "Police Act of 1966," Republic Act No. 4864.
The primary purpose is to achieve higher efficiency in organization, administration, and operation of local police to maintain peace and order and enforce laws impartially, placing local police service on a professional level.
The President appoints the Chairman and two members of the Police Commission with consent from the Commission on Appointments. Members must be Filipino lawyers with at least ten years police work experience or holders of a bachelor's degree in police administration or criminology with at least ten years police work experience.
The Commission advises the President on local police administration; audits local police agencies; prepares police manuals; conducts surveys; recommends legislation; recommends placing police under Philippine Constabulary control; approves certain appointments; develops training; establishes crime reports system; and more as specified in Section 4.
Qualifications include Philippine citizenship, good moral character, sound mind and body, specified educational attainment (high school for municipalities, two years college for provinces/cities), no criminal record, age between 23 and 33, minimum height and weight requirements, and no dishonorable discharge or dismissal from previous employment.
City Chiefs must hold a bachelor's degree and have military or police experience with exemplary record; municipal Chiefs must hold a bachelor's degree or be a high school graduate with adequate police or military experience. Provisional appointments allowed in absence of civil service eligibles with certain conditions.
Promotions are made by local chief executives upon consultation with the police chief from those who have passed corresponding promotional Civil Service Commission examinations.
A three-member Board composed of city or municipal treasurer (chairman), a Provincial Commander representative, and an elected councilor. The Board investigates charges against police members, conducts hearings, submits findings to the Police Commission, and decides claims related to police benefits.
Suspension/removal requires a written complaint under oath for misconduct, incompetency, dishonesty, disloyalty, serious irregularities, or law violations. Suspension pending investigation may last up to 60 days and if accused in court suspend pending final decision; reinstatement and back pay if acquitted.
Minimum police strength is at least one policeman per 1,000 inhabitants, with specific minimum numbers based on municipality classification. Minimum salaries vary by classification and rank with specific annual salary minimums prescribed for municipal and city police including chiefs of police.