Law Summary
Organization and Key Positions
- BFP and BJMP are each headed by a Chief, assisted by two Deputy Chiefs (Administration and Operations).
- Appointment of Chiefs by the President upon DILG Secretary's recommendation; minimum rank is Senior Superintendent.
- The Chief’s term is max four years, extendable during war or national emergency.
- Positions and ranks specified for key leadership roles down to Regional Directors at the regional offices.
Professionalization and Qualification Standards for Uniformed Personnel
- Basic appointment requirements:
- Filipino citizenship
- Good moral character
- Passed psychiatric, psychological, drug, and physical tests
- Bachelor’s degree from recognized institution
- Appropriate civil service eligibility
- No dishonorable dismissal nor conviction involving moral turpitude
- Height and weight standards with waivers for cultural communities
- Age between 21 and 30 years for new applicants
- Current personnel given transition time to meet requirements; failure leads to separation or retirement with benefits.
Appointment Procedures for Uniformed Personnel
- Different ranks appointed by various authorities:
- Inspector to Superintendent: Chief of BFP/BJMP with CSC attestation
- Senior Superintendent: DILG Secretary upon Chief’s recommendation, CSC attestation
- Chief Superintendent to Director: President upon DILG Secretary’s recommendation and CSC endorsement
Lateral Entry and Specialized Roles
- Initial rank for all officers is Inspector.
- Lateral entry allowed for highly specialized and technical professionals (e.g., engineers, lawyers, health professionals).
- Doctors, lawyers, and chaplains may enter at rank Senior Inspector.
- Graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy automatically enter as Inspector.
Qualification Standards for Key Positions
- Specific educational and rank requirements for key positions in fire and jail services.
- For example, Municipal Fire Marshal must have rank Senior Inspector and some law or master’s degree units.
- Higher positions require law degrees or master’s degrees in related fields and successful career training.
- Current occupants of key positions lacking these qualifications must comply within 3 years or be relieved.
Professionalization and Qualifications Upgrading Program
- DILG to design upgrading program in coordination with CSC and CHED, launched within 90 days from effectivity.
Attrition System for Uniformed Personnel
- System includes:
- Demotion attrition: Separation or retirement if not reassigned to equivalent position within 2 years.
- Non-promotion attrition: Separation or retirement after 10 years without promotion (except 3rd-level positions).
- Other grounds: Inefficiency, incapacity, failure to complete required courses or eligibility.
- Retirement or separation depends on length of service.
Promotion System
- To be established within 6 months.
- Based on merit and vacancy availability.
- Gender-fair to ensure equal opportunities.
- Promotion requires meeting qualification standards and passing required tests.
- Acts of conspicuous courage allow promotion validated by DILG and CSC.
Performance Evaluation System
- Administered based on rules and code of conduct established by BFP, BJMP, and DILG.
- Aims to improve efficiency, discipline, and organizational effectiveness.
- Includes results of annual psychiatric/psychological and physical tests.
Standardization of Base Pay, Retirement, and Other Benefits
- Starting salaries aligned with corresponding ranks in PNP and AFP.
- Specific salary grades assigned to ranks from Fire/Jail Officer I up to Fire/Jail Director.
- Continuation of other benefits from existing laws.
- Retirement pay adjusted based on prevailing base pay scales.
Implementation Timeline
- Phased implementation, not exceeding 3 years.
- Partial implementation must be uniform and proportionate across ranks.
Rules and Regulations
- DILG to issue implementing rules within 90 days, coordinating with BFP, BJMP, CSC, DBM, and DOF.
Annual Report and Periodic Review
- BFP and BJMP, through DILG and DBM, to submit annual implementation reports to Congress.
- DBM reviews base pay every 5 years considering economic indicators.
Separability Clause
- If any part is declared unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Previous inconsistent laws, decrees, and issuances are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after complete publication in Official Gazette or two newspapers.