Law Summary
Powers of the Board
- Authority to administer and enforce the Act's provisions.
- Can issue, suspend, or revoke certificates of registration to practise criminology.
- Empowered to administer oaths.
Qualifications of Board Members
- Must be natural-born Filipino citizens.
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminology or Master of Criminology degree from a recognized institution.
- At least 30 years old with 10 years professional experience as a registered criminologist (except for first Board).
- Must not be faculty or have pecuniary interests in criminology schools.
- Not connected with government agencies operating training academies for peace officers or law enforcement.
Term and Oath of Office
- Board members serve a three-year term unless sooner removed.
- Successors serve only the unexpired term.
- Members must take an oath before performing duties.
Executive Officer, Secretary, and Records Custody
- Civil Service Commissioner acts as executive officer and conducts the examinations.
- Secretary of other Civil Service Boards also serves as Secretary for this Board.
- All records and examination papers secured by the Civil Service Commission.
Removal of Board Members
- President may remove members for neglect, incompetence, or unethical conduct after due administrative process.
Compensation
- Members receive up to ten pesos per examinee.
- Fees collected managed by Civil Service Commission to cover Board expenses and compensation.
Annual Report
- Board must submit an annual report to the President detailing activities and recommendations.
Regulation of the Practice of Criminology
- Prohibits practice or offering to practice criminology without a certificate of registration from the Board.
Exemptions from Registration
- Foreign criminologists consulting for short durations (up to five months per year) and legally qualified in their home country.
- Foreign technical officers or consultants recognized as experts, but not allowed private practice while in the Philippines.
Examination Requirements
- All applicants must pass an examination unless specifically exempted.
Qualifications for Examination
- At least 18 years old, Filipino citizen, and of good moral character.
- No conviction involving moral turpitude.
- Graduated with a BS in Criminology from a recognized institution.
- Law graduates may take the exam if they complete specified criminology-related coursework within five years.
Conduct and Schedule of Examinations
- Examinations held at least once yearly in key Philippine cities.
- Announcement published at least 30 days prior.
Scope and Subjects of Examination
- Written exams covering Criminal Jurisprudence & Procedure, Law Enforcement Administration, Correctional Administration, Criminalistics, Criminal Sociology, Ethics & Human Relations.
- Board may include practical/field exams.
- Subject weights specified, with ability to revise as educational curricula change.
Rating and Passing Grade
- Passing requires a general average of at least 75%, with no less than 50% in any subject.
Reporting and Oath-taking
- Board reports results within 90 days to Civil Service Commissioner.
- Successful candidates must take a professional oath prior to practice.
Issuance of Certificate
- Certificate issued upon payment of registration fee and meeting all requirements.
- Certificates bear serial numbers, signatures, and official seal.
- Graduates with 10 years of prior practice may be registered without exam if applying within six months.
Fees
- Application fee of 50 pesos and registration fee of 30 pesos.
Revocation of Certificate
- Certificates may be revoked or suspended for malpractice, incompetence, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.
- Due process afforded before removal.
- Board decisions may be appealed to the President whose decision is final.
Reissuance and Replacement of Certificates
- Revoked certificates may be reapplied for one year after revocation.
- Replacement certificates issued for lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificates upon payment.
Definition of Criminologist
- A registered person who graduated with a criminology degree and has passed the Board examination.
Definition of Practice of Criminology
- Includes teaching criminology subjects, working as law enforcement or correctional officers, consultants, technicians in forensic sciences, counselors, experts, and researchers related to criminology.
Privileges of Certified Criminologists
- Exempt from other civil service exams.
- Eligible to hold specific government positions related to law enforcement and corrections.
- Can be appointed as patrolmen in cities/municipalities if qualified.
Penal Provisions
- Illegally practicing criminology or falsifying documents incurs fines between 2,000 to 10,000 pesos or imprisonment of one to three years, or both.
Repealing Clause
- Prior laws, executive orders, or administrative rules inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on July 1, 1972.