QuestionsQuestions (DEPED MEMORANDUM NO. 68, S. 2002)
It issues supplemental guidelines for implementing the PNP Delinquency Report (DR) System to strengthen the disciplinary authority of chiefs of offices and subordinate units. It aims to correct minor offenses expeditiously without resorting to long and tedious summary proceedings, thereby improving overall discipline in the PNP.
It states that the DR System took effect 15 days after August 6, 2014 (the date of filing with the Office of the National Registrar, UP Law Center), hence effectivity is on August 21, 2014.
The circular provides lists of infractions with corresponding maximum demerits: (1) up to 3 demerits, (2) up to 5 demerits, (3) up to 7 demerits, and (4) up to 10, depending on the offense. It also specifies some infractions with specific higher demerit limits within those groupings (e.g., 15, 20).
“IP card” refers to the Individual Performance Card showing the name, position/designation and badge number (for uniformed personnel) or plantilla item number (for non-uniformed personnel), and the individuals’ specific duties/responsibilities and enabling actions.
It means an act of loitering or lazing around to pass the time or standing about idly.
“Visible tattoos” are tattoos not completely covered by authorized PNP athletic t-shirt, shorts and GOA/uniform. They are relevant because for NUPs they are listed as prohibited attire/appearance when performing official functions in the workplace.
Examples include: unauthorized or improper wearing of uniform insignias and accoutrements; unauthorized/improper haircut; dirty shoes/unauthorized shoes; dirty uniform/wearing faded/tacked-out athletic uniform/colored rubber shoes; unshaved mustache/improper shaving; improper haircut/colored nail polish/long and dirty finger nails; not wearing hairnets during command activities; no hanky/tickler/Miranda warning card (as required during inspection); and no IP card.
They include: (1) no IP card; (2) non-compliance with the approved prescribed NUP uniform for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and (3) wearing prohibited attire during Tuesday and Thursdays, such as gauzy/transparent/net-like shirts, tank tops/spaghetti-strap blouses (unless undershirt), micro-mini skirts/walking shorts/cycling shorts/leggings/tights/jogging pants, rubber sandals/slippers/abakyaa, maong/denim pants or skirts, highlighted hair/dangling earrings/flamboyant accessories/heavy make-up, mustache, and visible tattoos.
They include: tardiness in reporting for duty/office work; tardiness in reporting to command activities; smoking while on duty; violation of traffic, pedestrian, and parking regulations within the camp; and certain violations during troop formation/parade (e.g., moving in ranks, speaking during formation, use of cellular phones during formation, roaming while program is ongoing, and standing on one leg).
Use of vulgar or insulting languages or similar rudeness to the public; and spitting or littering in public areas.
They include: urinating in places other than designated areas; dozing on post; not observing courtesy to officers/senior officers (inside and outside the office) / not saluting senior PCOs; loafing; leaving post while on duty for more than five minutes (stated as 15 demerits); and absent in formation or command activities (stated as 20 demerits).
The circular states that every demerit incurred is equivalent to half an hour of any of the listed tasks: lead the pulisteniksa/act as demonstrator; undergo supervised combat sports training/refresher courses on arrest procedures/investigations/basic police knowledge; give lecture during PICE; attend lectures/seminars on POP/disciplinary mechanism and other topics; perform extra office works or overtime duties during weekends/holidays; two months revocation of privilege to file leave except sick/maternal/paternity leave; or other appropriate sanctions not bordering on involuntary servitude as required by the chief of office/unit.
More than 20 demerits in a month or a single offense with more than 20 demerits (less grave and grave offenses) will trigger pre-charge evaluation/summary hearing proceedings rather than the DR sanctions.
Refusal to perform the sanctions is tantamount to insubordination or refusal to follow lawful orders and will cause pre-charge evaluation of the offender.
After receipt of the DR, the alleged offender has 24 hours to explain in writing; failure to do so is treated as waiver of the right to be heard. The Chief of Office/Unit renders decision within 24 hours upon receipt of the DR with the offender’s explanation (with ability to summon/reporting officer/person if necessary). The offender may appeal in writing within 48 hours from receipt of the decision to the next higher chief, whose decision is final and immediately executory.
The Reporting Officer accomplishes the PNP DR in triplicate. The original (white) and duplicate (yellow) are forwarded to the Administrative/Personnel Officer or Chief Clerk/ESPO of the Offender for disposition, while the triplicate (green) copy is kept by the Reporting Officer.