Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 3)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 3 is to create a Presidential Anti-Crime Commission tasked to identify, investigate, and cause the prosecution of criminal elements in the Philippines to address the escalation of organized and syndicated crimes and other heinous offenses.
The Commission is composed of the Vice-President of the Philippines as Chairman, the Secretary of Justice as Vice-Chairman, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, and two representatives of non-government organizations involved in crime prevention and improvement of law enforcement, designated by the President.
The Commission can direct investigations and prosecutions of crimes, transfer cases for efficient disposition, refer cases to appropriate agencies, enlist government assistance, monitor investigation progress, prepare anti-crime action plans, recommend legislation, grant rewards to informants, oversee witness protection evaluations, and perform other functions assigned by the President.
The Commission handles crimes by organized/syndicated groups (e.g., gunrunning, illegal logging, drug trafficking), heinous crimes, offenses committed by members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces, and other offenses the President may assign.
An organized or syndicated crime group is defined as two or more persons collaborating, confederating, or mutually helping each other in the commission of any crime.
A heinous crime is a grave felony under the Revised Penal Code or punishable under special law, committed in a manner that is revolting or shocking to common sensibilities, often attended by cruelty, ignominy, or treachery.
The Commission may call upon agencies such as the Philippine National Police, National Police Commission, National Bureau of Investigation, National Prosecution Service, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Economic Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, Bureau of Customs, Forest Management Bureau, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and others it finds necessary.
An initial allocation of twelve million pesos (₱12,000,000.00) from the President's Contingent Fund, with subsequent funding to be included in the Office of the President's budget proposals.
The Technical and Administrative Staff is headed by an Executive Officer designated by the Chairman of the Commission.
The Presidential Anti-Crime Commission operates under the Office of the President.