Law Summary
Disqualified Offenders
- Individuals sentenced to more than six years imprisonment.
- Persons convicted of crimes against national security.
- Those previously convicted by final judgment of offenses punishable by imprisonment over six months and one day or fines exceeding P1,000.
- Former probationers under this law.
- Persons already serving sentences when substantive provisions became applicable.
Termination of Probation
- Court may order final discharge after probation period, based on probation officer’s report and recommendation.
- Final discharge restores civil rights lost/suspended due to conviction and fully extinguishes criminal liability for the offense.
- Copies of discharge order to be furnished to probationer and probation officer.
Powers of Probation Officers
- Regional, Provincial, or City Probation Officers may administer oaths, acknowledgments, and take depositions relating to their duties.
- They have police officer powers concerning probationers within their jurisdiction.
- They are considered persons in authority.
Assistants and Subordinate Personnel
- Probation Officers shall be assisted by field assistants and subordinate personnel as necessary for effective duty performance.
Volunteer Probation Assistants (VPAs)
- Probation Administrator may appoint citizens of good repute and capability as VPAs to assist in supervised treatment programs.
- VPAs are not regularly compensated but may receive transportation and meal allowances.
- VPAs serve two-year terms, renewable or recallable for just cause.
- Number, qualifications, functions, and case loads of VPAs are governed by implementing rules.
- VPAs encouraged to organize at national, regional, provincial, and city levels for coordinated volunteer programs.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remaining provisions which stay effective.
Repealing Clause
- Existing laws, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.
Appropriations Clause
- Necessary funds for implementation shall be included in the General Appropriations Act following enactment.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Department of Justice to issue rules within 60 days of Act approval to enforce provisions.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.