Law Summary
Definitions
- Safekeeping: Custodial aspect ensuring basic needs, security, cut-off from criminal networks.
- Reformation: Rehabilitation ensuring inmates become productive, non-harmful post-release.
Mandate of BuCor
- Responsible for safekeeping and reformation of inmates sentenced over 3 years.
- Safekeeping includes decent quarters, food, water, clothing per UN standards.
- Custodial Force composed of Corrections Officers.
- Reformation programs: Moral/spiritual, education/training, work/livelihood, sports/recreation, health/welfare, behavior modification.
- Reformation personnel are Corrections Technical Officers with professional qualifications.
Operations Structure
- Directorial structure with distinct directorates (Reception and Diagnostics, Security, Reformation, External Relations).
- Inmate classification by risk, sentence, skills, psychological assessment, crime category.
- Custodial and reformation units implement security and programs.
- External Relations manage pre- and post-release, job training referrals.
- Incorporates full computerization of inmate records.
Use and Management of BuCor Lands
- Lands used for security, reformation, sustainability programs.
- Authority to design land use plans and propose penal farms to reduce congestion.
- Lands registered under BuCor's name.
Standard Facilities
- Uniform prison and reformation facility designs including dormitory, administration, fences, hospital, training centers, workshops, etc.
Supervision
- DOJ administrative supervision except for regulatory/quasi-judicial decisions.
Organization and Key Positions
- Headed by Director General of Corrections assisted by three Deputy Directors.
- Fixed six-year term; roles and ranks specified.
- DBM to rationalize staffing aligned with law.
Personnel Increase
- Custodial personnel-to-inmate ratio 1:7; reformation personnel-to-inmate ratio 1:24 mandated.
- Authorized to increase personnel per inmate growth.
Personnel Qualifications
- Must be a Filipino citizen, good moral character, pass health tests, possess baccalaureate degree, civil service eligibility.
- Height and age standards with waivers for cultural communities.
- Existing personnel have 5 years to comply with education requirements.
Appointment Procedures
- Corrections Officer ranks appointed by Director General with CSC attestation.
- Director General and Deputies appointed by President on DOJ recommendation.
Lateral Entry
- Allows specialized professionals to enter BuCor officer ranks based on technical qualifications.
- Includes engineers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, among others.
Key Position Qualifications
- Sub-Colony Supervisor, Colony Assistant Superintendent, Colony Superintendent, Regional Superintendent have rank and education requirements.
- Non-compliant occupants given 5 years to fulfill requirements.
Professionalization Programs
- DOJ to design qualification upgrading programs coordinating with CSC and CHED.
- Establishment of Philippine Corrections Academy under study.
- Training through Corrections Training School/Institute promoted.
Attrition System
- System to separate or retire personnel based on demotion, non-promotion, inefficiency, incapacity, failure to meet training/civil service eligibility.
Promotion System
- Promotion based on merit, availability, gender fairness.
- Requirements include qualifications, health tests.
- Recognition of conspicuous courage allows for promotion.
Performance Evaluation
- System to improve individual efficiency, discipline, organizational effectiveness.
- Based on rules promulgated by BuCor and DOJ.
Salary and Benefits
- Uniformed personnel ranks paired with corresponding pay grades.
- DBM to determine ranks aligned with military pay.
- Retirement pay one grade higher than last position held.
Funding
- From BuCor budget, fees, institutional project incomes, penal farm products, handicraft industry proceeds.
- Further funding via General Appropriations Act.
Implementation
- Phased implementation not exceeding five years.
- Uniform partial implementation across ranks.
Rules and Regulations
- DOJ, BuCor, CSC, DBM, DOF responsible for promulgating rules within 90 days of effectivity.
Transitory Provisions
- Incumbents serve existing terms; retirement benefits provided for early retirees.
- Retirement age rules differ for incumbents and new hires.
Reporting
- Annual report on implementation and budget submitted to Congress leaders.
- Periodic pay reviews every five years considering economic indicators.
Separability and Repeal
- Invalid provisions do not affect remainder of law.
- Repeals inconsistent laws, decrees, rules and regulations.
Effectivity
- Law takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation, whichever earlier.