Title
Creation of Presidential Anti-Crime Commission
Law
Executive Order No. 3
Decision Date
Jul 7, 1992
Executive Order No. 3 establishes the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC) in the Philippines to combat organized crime and prioritize the eradication of criminal elements through investigation, prosecution, and collaboration with various government agencies.
organized crime
criminal elements
investigation

Composition and designation of members

  • Section 2 provides that the Commission is composed of:
    • the Vice-President of the Philippines, in his capacity as Presidential Adviser on Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement, as Chairman;
    • the Secretary of Justice, as Vice-Chairman; and
    • the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, and two representatives of non-government organizations (NGOs) involved in crime prevention and improvement of law enforcement, as Members.
  • The NGO representatives are designated by the President upon recommendation of the Chairman.

Powers and core functions

  • Section 3 empowers the Commission to cause or direct the immediate investigation and speedy prosecution of cases under Section 4 involving violations of the Revised Penal Code and other special laws referred to or received by the Commission, or cases the President refers to it.
  • Section 3 authorizes the Commission to direct the transfer of cases from any law enforcement agency or prosecution office when the Commission deems it proper and necessary for efficient and expeditious dispensation of criminal justice.
  • Section 3 authorizes the Commission to direct that transferred cases be investigated or prosecuted by the appropriate operating or implementing agency provided in the Executive Order.
  • Section 3 allows the Commission to refer the investigation or prosecution of cases under Section 4(a) to the appropriate law enforcement agency or prosecution office for the same reasons used in directing transfers.
  • Section 3 authorizes the Commission to enlist assistance of any branch, department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the Government, including government-owned and/or controlled corporations, including the use of their personnel, facilities, and resources for prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal offenders.
  • Section 3 requires the Commission to monitor the progress of ongoing investigation and prosecution of cases taken cognizance of by the Commission.
  • Section 3 requires the Commission to prepare and implement a fast track anti-crime action agenda and adopt measures to ensure an effective and efficient anti-crime drive.
  • Section 3 authorizes the Commission to recommend anti-crime issuances and legislations to the President and Congress.
  • Section 3 authorizes the Commission to grant monetary rewards and incentives to informants willing to provide vital information to build cases for prosecution, in accordance with existing laws.
  • Section 3 directs the Commission to direct the Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program Committee of the Department of Justice to evaluate and assess witnesses who may qualify under Republic Act No. 6981 (the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act).
  • Section 3 authorizes the Commission to perform other functions the President assigns.

Offenses the Commission may take cognizance of

  • Section 4(a) authorizes the Commission to take cognizance of crimes committed by organized/syndicated crime groups, including but not limited to:
    • gunrunning;
    • illegal logging;
    • robbery;
    • kidnapping for ransom;
    • white slave trade;
    • illegal recruitment;
    • carnapping;
    • smuggling;
    • piracy;
    • drug-trafficking;
    • falsification of land titles and other government forms;
    • large scale swindling;
    • film piracy;
    • counterfeiting; and
    • bank frauds.
  • Section 4(a) defines an organized/syndicated crime group as a group of two or more persons collaborating, confederating, or mutually helping one another in the commission of any crime.
  • Section 4(b) authorizes the Commission to take cognizance of heinous crimes.
  • Section 4(b) defines a heinous crime for purposes of the Executive Order as a grave felony defined in the Revised Penal Code, or an offense punishable under special law, committed in a manner that is revolting or shocking to the common sensibilities of man, whether deliberately sought or not, such as those attended by cruelty, ignominy, treachery, and similar circumstances.
  • Section 4(c) authorizes the Commission to take cognizance of those crimes committed by members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
  • Section 4(d) authorizes the President to place such other offenses under the Commission’s authority.

Implementing agencies and allocation of responsibilities

  • Section 5 authorizes the Commission, in performing its functions, to call upon implementing agencies including:
    • Philippine National Police (PNP);
    • National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM);
    • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
    • National Prosecution Service (NPS);
    • Bureau of Immigration (BI);
    • Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);
    • Economic Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (EIIB);
    • Bureau of Customs (BOC);
    • Forest Management Bureau (FMB);
    • National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); and
    • such other agencies the Commission finds necessary to implement its mandate.
  • Section 5 requires the Commission to identify the respective areas of responsibility of the implementing agencies listed.

Technical and administrative staff structure

  • Section 6 requires the Commission to organize a Technical and Administrative Staff headed by an Executive Officer designated by the Chairman.
  • Section 6 provides that the Technical Staff is composed of:
    • personnel also designated by the Chairman, and
    • personnel detailed to the Commission by the different agencies specified in Section 5.

Funding and budget source

  • Section 7 provides that the Commission is given an initial allocation of TWELVE MILLION (P12,000,000.00).
  • Section 7 requires that the initial allocation be drawn from the Presidentas Contingent Fund.
  • Section 7 requires that succeeding years’ appropriations be incorporated in the budget proposals under the Office of the President.

Operating guidelines and immediate effectivity

  • Section 8 requires the Commission to adopt operating guidelines necessary to implement the Executive Order.
  • Section 9 provides that the Executive Order takes effect immediately.
  • The Executive Order is signed on July 7, 1992, in the City of Manila, by FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, with PETER D. GARRUCHO, JR. as Acting Executive Secretary.

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