Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8551)
Republic Act No. 8551 is officially titled as the "Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998."
The State declares the policy to establish a highly efficient and competent police force, national in scope and civilian in character, administered and controlled by a national police commission. The PNP is community and service oriented, responsible for peace and order and public safety with accountability and efficiency.
The PNP supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines in suppression of insurgency through information gathering and police functions, except when the President calls the PNP to support the AFP in combat operations. In national emergency, PNP assists armed forces upon the President's direction.
The Commission is composed of a Chairperson (Secretary of the Department as ex officio chair), four regular Commissioners (three from civilian sector, one from law enforcement sector), and the Chief of PNP as ex officio member. At least one commissioner must be a woman.
The Commission exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP, develops policies, conducts audits, approves plans, exercises appellate jurisdiction on disciplinary actions, issues subpoenas, monitors police performance, advises the President, and investigates police anomalies.
The person must be a Filipino citizen, a member of the Philippine Bar with at least five years experience in criminal or human rights cases or hold a master's/doctorate degree in relevant disciplines; law enforcement sector member must have at least 5 years practical experience; civilians should have extensive research or NGO experience in criminology or peace and order.
Must be a Filipino citizen, person of good moral conduct, passed psychiatric/psychological, drug and physical tests; bachelor’s degree holder; eligible under Commission standards; not dishonorably discharged or convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude; meet height and weight standards; aged between 21 to 30 years for new applicants.
The attrition system is designed to ensure efficiency and optimize personnel deployment by retiring or separating personnel based on tenure limits, relief, demotion without reassignment, non-promotion for 10 years, inefficiency, incapacity, or failure to pass required examinations.
The IAS conducts proactive inspections, investigates complaints, conducts summary hearings, files criminal cases against PNP members, assists the Office of the Ombudsman, investigates police operations involving serious incidents, and provides recommendations concerning promotions and assignments.
Penalties range from admonition, reprimand, restriction, withholding privileges, suspension of up to specified days, demotion, to dismissal. Chiefs of police, mayors, regional directors, and the Chief of PNP have varying disciplinary powers. Complaints are heard according to the gravity of the offense by the appropriate disciplining authority.
The PNP must establish women's desks in all police stations to handle cases involving crimes against women and children. Women’s recruitment will be prioritized with at least 10% reserved in quotas, and a gender sensitivity program will be implemented to ensure equal opportunities and prevent discrimination or harassment.
City and municipal mayors have operational supervision authority over PNP units including selecting the chief of police from a list of eligibles, recommending transfers and appointments, and control over anti-gambling operations. Governors and mayors are automatically deputized as representatives of the National Police Commission within their jurisdiction.
The appointee must hold a master’s degree in public administration, sociology, criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, national security administration, defense studies or related fields, and must have passed the necessary training and career courses established by the Commission.
Upon filing of complaint or information for grave felonies with penalty of six years and one day or more, the court shall immediately suspend the accused for up to 90 days from arraignment. The suspension can be extended if delays are due to respondent's fault. Suspension may also be ordered for harassment or influence of witnesses.
Retired members receive monthly retirement pay starting at 50% of base pay and longevity pay after 20 years of active service, increasing by 2.5% per additional year up to 90% maximum at 36+ years. They may opt to receive lump sum payment for first five years. Adjustments to retirement pay are based on prevailing base pay scales for active personnel.