Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 156)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 156 is to secure and maintain a high degree of efficiency in the organization and administration of local police forces in the Philippines, ensuring effective and impartial enforcement of all laws.
Provincial governors are directly responsible for the efficient administration of the provincial guards and are charged with supervision of the execution of police duties within their provinces.
Mayors are charged with direct responsibility for the efficient administration of the local police force and for the enforcement of laws in their respective cities or municipalities.
The provincial governor may mobilize policemen from different municipalities in case of emergency, but this must be done in consultation with the provincial inspector and requires the approval of the President of the Philippines.
The President may place the local police under the control of the provincial inspector of Constabulary, and after fixing responsibility, may remove the culpable chief of police, mayor, or governor for public interest.
The Philippine Constabulary insures efficient operation by maintaining constant contact through district inspectors and conducting inspections by provincial inspectors who examine all phases of police work and their integrity.
The Board, composed of the mayor (chairman), the chief of police, and the provincial inspector of Constabulary or a commissioned officer, inquires into the qualifications of local police members to determine their aptitude, trustworthiness, and value, recommending retention or dismissal accordingly.
Candidates must be Filipino citizens aged 21 to 40, have good moral conduct without any criminal record, not dishonorably discharged from any civil or military employment, possess physical qualifications, and educational attainment of a high school graduate (chartered cities) or intermediate-school graduate (municipalities). Preference is given to those with military trainee instruction or honorable military service.
Provincial governors and city or municipal mayors are authorized to suspend provincial guards and police members respectively, in case of commission of serious offenses in their presence or immediately reported to them, or if the police officer is accused in court of any felony or law violation by the provincial fiscal.
Administrative complaints and suspensions are referred to the provincial inspector for investigation. The provincial inspector may recommend suspension pending investigation. All records are submitted to the Commissioner of Civil Service, whose decision on removal, suspension, discipline, or exoneration is final.