Philippine Constabulary's Supervisory Role
- Philippine Constabulary ensures local police bodies operate efficiently and laws are enforced impartially.
- District inspectors maintain constant oversight of local police forces.
- Provincial inspectors inspect all local police operations within their jurisdiction focusing on law enforcement efficiency and integrity.
- Inspections are ongoing inquiries rather than strictly scheduled.
- Provincial inspectors can correct minor defects, report serious issues to the Chief of Constabulary, and notify mayors and governors.
Vetting and Appointment Procedures for Local Police
- Existing local police without Civil Service appointments must undergo review for competency and physical fitness.
- Boards, convened by mayors or governors with Constabulary officers, evaluate police members and chiefs, allowing for due process.
- Boards recommend retention or dismissal, forwarding decisions to the President for final approval.
- Future appointments and promotions must comply with Civil Service rules, approved by the President pending further designation.
- Commissioner of Civil Service announces examinations for police positions, which require Philippine citizenship, age 21-40, moral conduct, physical qualifications, and minimum educational attainment (high school or intermediate level).
- Preference given to those with military trainee instruction or honorable military discharge.
- No positions or salaries can be abolished or reduced without presidential approval.
Suspension, Investigation, and Removal of Police Personnel
- Provincial governors and city/municipal mayors can suspend police officers for serious offenses witnessed or reported immediately.
- Accused police officers must be suspended immediately upon felony charges filed in court.
- Administrative complaints or suspensions are investigated by provincial inspectors; suspension may be requested during investigation.
- Specific procedures continue for Manila police.
- Suspended officers are reinstated after 30 days if no decision is rendered, pending case outcome.
- Investigation records are submitted to the Commissioner of Civil Service whose decisions are final.
- Vacant positions due to suspension cannot be filled without presidential authority.
- Removal of police personnel is governed by Executive Order No. 39, series of 1936, after reorganization.
Interim Police Rules and Regulations
- Existing State Police internal rules and discipline procedures remain effective until new police rules and regulations under Commonwealth Act No. 343 are approved.
- Such existing rules must not conflict with Commonwealth Act No. 343, Executive Order No. 153, or this Executive Order.