Declaration of Policy and Principles
- The State aims to maintain peace and order, protect life, liberty, and property, and promote general welfare.
- Recognizes the mandate of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) under Republic Act No. 6975.
- During national emergencies, BFP and BJMP may assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon presidential direction.
- Uniformed personnel of BFP and BJMP are recognized for their service and sacrifice equal to PNP and AFP.
- The Act seeks to professionalize and restructure BFP and BJMP by upgrading qualifications and standardizing pay and benefits.
Organization and Key Positions
- BFP and BJMP headed by a Chief with two deputies: one for administration and one for operations.
- Chiefs and deputies appointed by the President and must have a rank of at least senior superintendent.
- Tour of duty for Chief not to exceed four years unless extended in national emergencies.
- Various senior positions with specified rank titles outlined, including regional directors and assistants.
- Regional offices must be established in each administrative region.
Qualification Standards for Uniformed Personnel
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens, of good moral character, physically and mentally fit.
- Must have a baccalaureate degree and relevant civil service eligibility.
- Must not have been dishonorably dismissed or convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
- Height and weight requirements specified, with waivers for cultural communities.
- Age limits for new applicants between 21 and 30 years.
- Current personnel given time frames to meet new qualifications; failure results in separation or retirement.
Appointment Procedures
- Promotion from inspector to superintendent by Bureau Chief recommendation and CSC attestation.
- Senior Superintendent appointed by Secretary of DILG with CSC attestation.
- Highest ranks appointed by the President upon recommendation.
Lateral Entry
- Lateral entry allowed for professionals with specialized qualifications, such as engineers, nurses, dentists, social workers, and others.
- Doctors of medicine, lawyers, and chaplains enter at higher initial ranks.
- Graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy automatically enter as inspectors.
Key Position Qualifications
- Specific educational and rank requirements for municipal, city, district, and regional positions in BFP and BJMP detailed.
- Positions require completion of training and career courses.
- Personnel lacking qualifications have three years to comply or face relief from position.
Professionalization Program
- DILG to establish a professionalization and qualifications upgrading program in coordination with CSC and CHED within 90 days.
Attrition System
- To be established within one year, includes attrition by demotion, non-promotion, poor performance, incapacity, or failure to complete courses.
- Separation or retirement depends on years of service.
Promotion System
- To be rationalized, based on merit and vacancy, ensuring gender fairness.
- Minimum qualifications and medical clearances required.
- Promotion possible for acts of conspicuous courage or recognized gallantry.
Performance Evaluation
- To foster individual efficiency, discipline, and organizational effectiveness.
- Consider psychological and physical fitness in evaluation.
Standardized Compensation and Benefits
- Base pay aligned with equivalent ranks in PNP and AFP.
- Salary grades prescribed.
- Existing benefits maintained.
- Retirement pay updated according to active service scales.
Implementation
- Phased implementation within three years based on national financial capacity.
- Partial implementations to be uniform across ranks.
Rules and Regulations
- DILG, with BFP, BJMP, CSC, DBM, and DOF to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days.
Reporting
- Annual reports on implementation including budget use submitted to Congressional leaders.
- DBM to review base pay every five years considering economic indicators.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause to preserve unaffected provisions if parts declared unconstitutional.
- Repealing clause to amend or repeal inconsistent laws and issuances.
- Effectivity clause states the Act takes effect 15 days after publication in specified media.