Objectives of the Committee
- Ensure arrests are conducted lawfully
- Speedy termination of preliminary investigations and judicious case resolutions
- Expedite trials, focusing on detained prisoners
- Improve jail conditions to be livable and rehabilitative
- Ensure equal, humane justice, especially for the poor and indigent
Functions of the Committee
- Address issues or delays in detainee release and case resolutions with proper authorities
- Require jail wardens to provide periodic case status reports including accused details, charges, detention period, and court status
- Receive and refer complaints of abuse by officers, wardens, fiscals, or judges for appropriate action
- Review and recommend improvements for local jail systems to ensure humane conditions
- Suggest revisions to laws or regulations hindering effective criminal justice administration
Implementing Guidelines and Assignment of Inquest Fiscals/Judges
- Executive Judges and Provincial/City Fiscals must ensure immediate assignment of Inquest Fiscals/Judges to handle detention cases and bail applications during nights, weekends, and holidays
- Minor offense arrestees (penalty not exceeding one month imprisonment or P200 fine) may be released under Recognizance Law
- Jail wardens to provide lists of inmates whose detention periods meet or exceed maximum penalties, for committee recommendation of court release
Payment of Honoraria
- Committee members are entitled to honoraria up to P500 per month
- Funding sourced from local government units
Supervision and Reporting
- Committee is supervised by the Prime Minister
- Required to submit quarterly accomplishment reports to the Office of the Prime Minister
Effectivity
- The order takes effect immediately upon issuance
- Signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos and Deputy Presidential Executive Assistant